Get ready to dive into the drama that unfolded at the Belgian Grand Prix!
- Max Verstappen faced a setback due to a grid penalty, starting P11 instead of pole position.
- Despite a quick entry into the top 10, dirty air and DRS trains slowed him down.
- Verstappen struggled behind his teammate Sergio Perez, losing crucial time.
- Experts believe Red Bull’s strategy errors mirrored mistakes previously seen with Mercedes.
Although Max Verstappen’s start wasn’t his usual fiery takeoff, it was the strategy at Spa that cost him the win according to Christijan Albers. Verstappen had to start from P11 due to a 10-place grid penalty, shaking up his race plans entirely.
In 2022, Verstappen had a similar penalty and climbed from P14 to win. This year, he found it tougher to navigate through the field, finishing fourth. He moved into the top 10 early, but the combination of DRS trains and strategic errors prevented a repeat triumph.
Albers noted the reigning World Champion struggled more due to increased turbulence and dirty air. “Sorry, but it was not a real Max Verstappen start,” he commented, criticizing the cautious approach and lack of aggression in the opening lap.
A significant issue arose when Verstappen got stuck behind his teammate, Sergio Perez, twice. This not only compromised his race pace but also frustrated Albers. “The first time it took far too long. In the second sector, you don’t want Perez driving in front of Verstappen,” he remarked.
The strategic blunders didn’t go unnoticed. Viaplay’s Allard Kalff blamed Red Bull’s strategy for costing Verstappen a podium finish, if not the win. He warned Red Bull might be falling into the same strategic pitfalls that once plagued Mercedes.
Kalff highlighted that Red Bull’s once-praised strategy seems to be faltering under pressure. He pointed out, “They are bringing Max in at the wrong times again. He ends up behind other drivers and had to overtake them again.”
Red Bull’s strategic missteps at Spa showcase how even top teams can falter under pressure.
Source: Planetf1
