Max Verstappen F1 News: Red Bull chief wants driver change amid struggles

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Red Bull chief wants Verstappen change amid F1 struggles

Helmut Marko has been speaking on the reigning champion's recent struggles

Kevin McKenna

Thursday 26 September 2024 09:54 Updated: 18:52

Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has admitted Max Verstappen must adopt a different approach if he is to retain his Formula 1 title.

The Dutchman has failed to win on any of his last eight outings, and has seen his sizeable championship lead reduced to just 52 points with just six races remaining.

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McLaren's Lando Norris has emerged as the main challenger to Verstappen's throne this season, and once again finished ahead of the three-time champion at last weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.

The Brit's victory at the Marina Bay Street Circuit was his second in four races, and appears to be hitting form at the right time as he aims to overhaul his Red Bull counterpart.

Max Verstappen finished second at the Singapore Grand Prix

Verstappen is battling Lando Norris for the world drivers' title

Champion now 'fighting in midfield'

Verstappen has consistently bemoaned the performance of his car this season, and has shown signs that the pressure has been getting to him at times throughout the year.

It's been far from plain sailing off the track as well, having been faced with ongoing questions surrounding his future at Red Bull, with rumours suggesting he is open to exploring other options.

Now, his Red Bull boss has opened up on his star drivers' ongoing struggles, and urged him to tap into his deep reserves of mental strength to prove he is still the best driver on the grid.

Helmut Marko has urged Verstappen to adopt a different approach

Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Marko said: “It’s certainly a different situation for Max - to go from being a series winner to fighting in the midfield, and with a bit of bad luck.

"Knowing that the car isn’t capable of winning right now is something he has to adjust to.

"It takes mental strength and driving skill to cope with that, and he’ll need to approach the situation differently.”

The 26-year-old is also embroiled in a fierce battle for the constructors' championship, having seen his team replaced by McLaren at the top of the leaderboard at the Azerbaijan GP earlier this month.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton FIA Formula 1 Lando Norris