Driving alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull is no easy task, raising rumors about a ‘poisoned’ seat.
- Verstappen, over his nine-year tenure, has surmounted challenges posed by six teammates.
- His exceptional skill with tricky cars often sidelines his fellow drivers.
- VCARB CEO Peter Bayer disputes the ‘poisoned’ seat claim with compelling points.
- Pressure at Red Bull stems more from competing with a standout talent than any actual curse.
Max Verstappen’s tenure with Red Bull has been nothing short of remarkable. Over nine years, he has faced six different teammates, each managing varying degrees of success. Yet, Verstappen’s unique ability to handle the demanding nature of Red Bull’s cars has set him apart consistently.
The notion of a ‘poisoned’ seat at Red Bull has sparked discussions among fans and experts alike. Verstappen’s knack for navigating cars that require precision and attention to detail has often left his teammates trailing. Alex Albon and Yuki Tsunoda have spoken about the intricate nature of the cars, with Albon pointing out Verstappen’s preference for extremely sensitive machines.
Peter Bayer, CEO of VCARB, offers a different perspective. In a conversation with RacingNews365, he mentioned that the idea of a poisoned seat doesn’t hold much weight. He references Checo’s success as a vice-world champion to highlight that not all who sit beside Verstappen flounder. ‘You have the talent of a century,’ he says, speaking of Verstappen’s unmatched focus and commitment to racing.
Bayer emphasizes that it’s not about a ‘cursed’ seat but rather the challenge imposed by the cars’ precision requirements. He notes that drivers must either adapt to these cars or face difficulties. Yuki Tsunoda, for instance, has been candid about his struggles with the RB21’s operating window, resulting in only one points-paying finish so far.
Ultimately, the challenges of the Red Bull second seat seem to be less about any inherent issues with the position itself and more about the daunting task of keeping pace with a driver like Verstappen. It’s a testament to how Verstappen’s prowess highlights even the smallest weakness in a teammate’s skill set, leaving them to grapple with the competitive demands of Formula 1.
In the high-stakes world of Red Bull Racing, keeping up with Verstappen is the real challenge, not a jinxed seat.
