Max Verstappen has attributed the converging grid in the 2024 Formula 1 season to the current regulations being too restrictive when compared to previous rulesets.
Red Bull has dominated since F1 returned to using ground effect cars in 2022 and Verstappen capitalised last term to claim an unprecedented 19 wins from 22 races.
But while the Dutchman started the latest season with four victories in the opening six races, Red Bull’s rivals have since reduced the gap to pressure the champions.
McLaren has proven to be the most consistent contender to Red Bull as Lando Norris triumphed back in Miami, while he also held a chance to win Imola and Canada.
However, Ferrari also prevailed in Monaco and remains the nearest threat in the championship, with Mercedes also emerging as a genuine challenger since Montreal.
Verstappen has denied that the RB20 has underdelivered and instead claims that the pack closing up was inevitable once sides began to replicate Red Bull’s concept.
“I think it’s more that these regulations, they don’t really offer many different directions,” Verstappen argued when asked about the competition catching up to Red Bull.
“With the older spec cars, like the 21 regulations, there was a lot more that you could do, and here I think it’s almost like you reach a kind of a ceiling, bit easier than the other cars.
“So yeah, some people are quite good at analysing everything that we do, and sometimes you see some similar things, but that’s normal.
“I would do the same, if I would be behind, you look at the best team and you try to learn from what they’re doing.”
Verstappen overcame a challenge from McLaren and Mercedes during a mixed-conditions showing at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to extend his championship margin.
The three-time F1 champion has acknowledged that he will have to ensure he raises his game each weekend to retain his advantage as rivals continue to edge closer.
“I think those races that maybe you’re a bit more under pressure, so you have to drive closer to 100% all the time, I think that’s normal,” he explained.
“I mean, I’ve done that also in the past. But it’s natural when teams are getting closer to you. Some races last year, you didn’t need to go at 100%. It’s how it is.”
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