Jos Verstappen emphasizes the critical need for Red Bull’s new upgrades to perform at Imola, marking a pivotal moment for the season.
- Max Verstappen trails Oscar Piastri by 32 points, making these upgrades essential for his championship defense.
- The upgrades to the RB21 are seen as vital to enhance race pace, particularly against competitors like McLaren.
- Rumors about Christian Horner’s position with the team are dismissed as Red Bull remains confident in his leadership.
- With Jos Verstappen away from the track, he eagerly awaits feedback from his son on the upgrades’ impact.
Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, has made it clear that the success of the team’s latest upgrades at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is crucial. These changes are not just another tweak; they are seen as essential for Max to defend his F1 World Championship title this year. Currently, Max is 32 points behind Oscar Piastri, who is enjoying a winning streak with recent victories in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Miami.
The RB21 car upgrades are expected to address some of the performance challenges Red Bull has faced this season. Specifically, improvements in race pace are crucial, as this is where Red Bull, and Max particularly, have been losing valuable time against rivals like McLaren. Jos Verstappen has expressed that without significant progress in this area, maintaining a competitive edge in the championship race will be difficult.
Amidst these technical developments, rumors surfaced suggesting potential changes in the team’s leadership, particularly about Christian Horner. However, these have been largely debunked by sources close to Red Bull. Horner, celebrating his 400th race as team principal, boasts a successful tenure with the team since 2005, reinforcing confidence in his leadership and the team’s strategic direction.
Jos Verstappen won’t be present at the Imola race but remains intensely interested in the outcome. He anticipates hearing from Max about how the upgraded car performs, especially in terms of race pace improvement. As the team navigates these critical upgrades, the communication between Max and his father will be key in understanding and responding to the car’s new dynamics.
The effectiveness of Red Bull’s latest car upgrades could be a determining factor in Max Verstappen’s championship bid this season.
