We are Always Two Races Behind – Max Verstappen

Following his retirement in Hungary due to a suspected MGU-K issue, Verstappen outlined his frustration at Renault.

He admitted that it was difficult to say that Renault are not giving Red Bull the same treatment.

The Dutchman continued, “It’s these kinds of things. And if there are new parts, they will of course go to the factory team first, which is also logical but it’s a pity for us.

“You just know that at Ferrari and Mercedes these are immediately introduced and then they might have advantage of that for one or two races, before the rest takes a step.

“So, we are always two races behind.”

Compared to Renault and its customers, Red Bull uses a different fuel and lubricants supplier. So, the French manufacturer must find time at its Viry engine headquarters to test upgrades with ExxonMobil’s products.

Red Bull only receive ExxonMobil’s first in-season upgrade in Hungary. On the other hand, Renault and McLaren got their BP Castrol upgrade in Spain.

Verstappen confessed that that this season could slip away from Red Bull’s clutches. This is inspite of them winning three of the first 12 races.

“Especially now they have their own factory team, you’re always a little behind on things,” he said.

“Now that it’s certain that you are making the switch to Honda, that will not work in your favour, let’s put it like that. But that’s how these things work, and we know that, so you just need to accept it.”

“I hope we will continue to develop the car well,” he said of his post-summer break aims. “The engine is a difficult story.

“We are better than them [Mercedes and Ferrari] in terms of car, so car-wise they are the ones who need to catch up.”