Max Verstappen has dismissed talk that he could lose patience with Red Bull in Formula 1 as the team experienced a challenging weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Verstappen cast a downbeat stance on Red Bull’s competitiveness as he qualified fourth in Shanghai, behind the two McLaren drivers and Mercedes’ George Russell.
The Dutchman had expressed concern that he would be under pressure from those behind in the race and that was soon realised as the Ferraris got past at the start.
But although he lost touch during the opening stint, Verstappen came on strong in the closing exchanges to regain his starting position as he passed Charles Leclerc.
Verstappen has admitted that Red Bull’s sudden improvement in pace compared to those ahead came as a surprise as the balance on his RB21 remained unchanged.
“Suddenly I just picked up tyre grip, not balance,” Verstappen said. “Balance is the same, but more tyre grip, where maybe others just plateaued a bit more.
“And then, of course, he had a lot of time, so it was more promising for us, at least.
“And it was also, of course, a bit more fun to drive and a few battles, because the first half of the race was quite tough.
“But we just set out to do our own pace. You know, before in the Sprint I tried to keep up with them, but then my tyres died. So I just did my own pace.
“The tyres were still in a decent shape when I had to pit, because others were pitting around me.
“But yeah, that is also not, I guess, how we want to race, right? I mean, at least I want to try and keep up and hang in there.
“But yeah, a lot to analyse, I think. But at least the second stint was a lot more positive, more promising as well for us.
“I hope that we can take some learnings out of that going into Japan.”
Verstappen sheds light on Red Bull enigma
Verstappen revealed that his positive last stint will help Red Bull unravel the enigma the team has encountered in attempting to unlock more potential from the RB21.
Asked whether it was about small increments until upgrades arrive, he replied: “It’s difficult to say when you don’t know where to find it or how to find it at the moment.
“But at least that last stint, I would say, gives a bit more of a clearer picture. But yeah, we’ll go through all the data.
“And yeah, we have 10 days. Hopefully we can learn a little bit more and be a bit more competitive in 10 days.”
Verstappen content at Red Bull
Red Bull’s conspicuous regression since a dominant beginning to the previous campaign has triggered persistent speculation about a possible Verstappen departure.
However, Verstappen has quashed suggestions that the Austrian squad’s continued struggle this season might prompt him to start thinking about a move elsewhere.
“I hear this all the time,” he said. “But for me, nothing changes. I’m actually very relaxed, I’m very positive in my mind. I’m enjoying life.
“Every time I jump in the car, I just try to do the best I can. And I’m not thinking about anything else, to be honest.
“I feel good in life in general, if that’s in the car or outside the car. And that’s actually what matters the most.”
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