The Spanish Grand Prix served as a display of the challenge Red Bull have to overcome this season. Mercedes’ clever strategy ultimately outdid Max Verstappen, as Lewis Hamilton took a fifth consecutive win in Barcelona.

Beating Lewis and Mercedes will take a monumental effort from the Austrian outfit. However, they have a genuine chance to take the title this season. Max has hardly put a foot wrong so far, and Red Bull now know that up their game too.

Max Verstappen needs to continue taking risks

The Dutchman doesn’t back down from a challenge, no matter what the odds are. In the past, drivers have criticized Max for his ambitious moves, which have often caused crashes. However, he has matured over the years and is now Red Bull’s biggest asset.

He has become a more confident driver who takes calculated risks in a lethal manner, which has now made him one of the best drivers on the grid. F1 Managing Director, Motorsport, Ross Brawn, highlighted that he needs to continue taking risks like the one he took this Sunday.

Brawn wrote in the Ross Brawn Column, “Max did everything right at the start to impressively take the lead. He’s not afraid to take the fight to Lewis. The reality is he knows he unlikely to beat Lewis if he’s second at the end of the first lap so. And that gives him the commitment to go for a pass when it’s 50-50.”

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Is this Max’s best chance to win a world title?

With Verstappen finishing no lower than second so far and constantly battling Lewis for the race win, Max and Red Bull have certainly signaled their intent for this season. Although the Dutchman has been phenomenal so far, Christian Horner and his team have a job on their hands to improve the package they’ve currently got.

Brawn further wrote, ” This was a very, very good drive from him. His package just wasn’t quick enough. He knows this is his best chance ever to win the world title – and will back himself to take victory next time out in Monaco.”

With the Monaco Grand Prix up next, Verstappen needs a win to close the gap on Hamilton. Can the Austrian outfit take home the champagne on May 23? Only time will tell.