Max Verstappen has denied there is a correlation between the team’s demise in competitiveness and Formula 1 design guru Adrian Newey announcing he will depart.
Red Bull began the campaign appearing untouchable once again as Verstappen headed three 1-2 finishes with team-mate Sergio Perez across the opening four races.
But Red Bull’s advantage earlier in the season has dissipated over recent times and Lando Norris imposed a commanding 22-second win on Verstappen at Zandvoort.
Red Bull’s weaknesses were first exposed in Miami – where Norris seized his maiden win – and the Dutchman has been candid about the car’s balance ever since then.
Verstappen, who ran an older-spec floor at the Duch Grand Prix, admitted post-race that his RB20 has become “difficult to drive” since the squad introduced upgrades.
However, Verstappen has rubbished the notion that the news that esteemed designer Newey will leave before the Miami weekend has contributed to the team’s woes.
When asked whether he thinks there is a link between Red Bull’s setbacks and the timing of Newey’s decision, Verstappen replied: “Normally not.
“It’s just, yeah, since it was announced that he was leaving, it’s been more difficult.
“But, I mean, it shouldn’t matter if someone is, say, leaving on the spot that immediately the performance drops because the car has always been the same.”
Pressed on whether he remains in contact with Newey, who has been with Red Bull since 2006, Verstappen added: “Well, I mean, the last few weeks not so much.
“But, yeah, of course he has moved office as well at the factory. But, whenever I do see him, I mean, we have a good relationship, you know. So, that’s never been a problem.”
Newey’s choice, though unrelated, came off the back of behind-the-scenes turmoil at Red Bull with team boss Christian Horner levied with allegations of misconduct.
Horner has since been cleared of wrongdoing, but he has had to endure a public spat with Max’s father, Jos, which has strained the relationship between the parties.
Asked whether that behind-closed-doors drama had impacted the team’s plight, Verstappen responded: “I don’t know.
“I mean, it’s very hard to understand where things have gone wrong.”
Asked whether he converses with his father or Horner regarding performance solutions, Verstappen added: “I just need to speak to the engineers, because at the end of the day, of course they are in control of the car and what has been brought to the car, and we have to find a solution all together.”
Norris’ dominant win at Zandvoort ensured Verstappen is now on a five-race winless run, but the reigning F1 champion doesn’t consider the Dutch GP “a wake-up call.”
“We couldn’t just get the car to work how we wanted it. Probably the wind made it very difficult for our car with the balance issues that we have. It’s just not the strongest weekend.”
