Negative predictions for Max Verstappen as F1 legend Hans-Joachim Stuck warns of trouble ahead highlighting concerns over Verstappen’s title defence – Formula One sensation Max Verstappen, who has dominated the sport in recent years, could face a serious challenge in his bid for another world title, according to motorsport legend Hans-Joachim Stuck.
The three-time world champion’s current dominance could soon suffer a major setback, with Stuck warning that Verstappen’s chances could be hampered by a car that no longer suits his needs.
“He still has the will to work hard. But he is being held back by a car that is not perfect for him. He has to prove his driving skills and show that he can compete with a car that is not up to the level of the others. It will be difficult for him to defend the title,” Stuck told Eurosport.
Despite a 62-point lead over his nearest rival, McLaren’s Lando Norris, Verstappen’s path to the finish line in 2024 is not as certain as it once seemed. His once dominant Red Bull car is showing signs of wear and tear, with the reigning champion recently criticising its performance, going as far as to describe it as “undrivable”.
Verstappen’s dissatisfaction with his car is not without reason. Red Bull, long regarded as the pinnacle of F1 engineering, seems to have fallen short of expectations in recent races. Stuck believes Verstappen’s complaints reflect the struggles of a driver pushing the limits of a car that is no longer perfectly suited to his abilities.
“That is a typical statement from a racing driver, because Verstappen assumes that his car is perfectly positioned,” said Stuck.
“If he has a few problems, like understeering at the start of a corner and oversteering at the end, then it’s ‘not drivable’ in his eyes. He can still do fast lap times with it, but he’s relatively far from his maximum potential. The statement reflects his fighting spirit as a racer.”
The inconsistency of the car’s handling, from understeering to oversteering, is a key factor for Verstappen. While the Red Bull driver is still able to put in competitive lap times, it is preventing him from performing at the level he knows he can. Stuck’s insight reveals the mental and technical battles Verstappen faces as he looks to maintain his edge in the sport.
Stuck’s warnings go beyond Verstappen’s personal challenges, highlighting the issues facing Red Bull Racing as a whole. The iconic team that helped propel Verstappen to the heights of F1 is in danger of falling behind. Stuck highlighted how Red Bull are in a precarious position, struggling to improve the car while other teams are forging ahead with new developments.
“It will be difficult for Verstappen’s team to make a big step forward in the rest of the season,” Stuck warned.
“Because there are no more big testing opportunities. Red Bull have to go back and see when the car was easier to drive, what set-up they had then and then analyse it.”
The German racing legend suggested that Red Bull may have to take a step back in terms of development and look at setups from earlier in the season, when the car’s performance was more reliable. However, he warned that such a move could be dangerous in a season where other teams such as McLaren and Ferrari are making significant progress.
“If you have to rebuild a car to the point where it was running well, it is obviously a step backwards. Because all the other cars are moving forward. It is a situation that is very difficult to resolve during the season,” said Stuck, expressing concern about the possibility of Red Bull solving their problems mid-season.
