Verstappen set to 'bounce back strong' with Red Bull
Verstappen set to 'bounce back strong' with Red Bull
Max Verstappen has been backed to 'bounce back strong' at this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola following a disappointing start to his F1 title defence.
Fresh from the springboard of clinching his maiden championship last year, albeit in controversial circumstances given the events of the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP, Verstappen's Red Bull has been hit with technical issues so far this campaign.
Despite clinching victory in the second race in Saudi Arabia, it has been sandwiched by two retirements in Bahrain and Australia to leave the Dutch driver 46 points behind early runaway leader Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari.
Verstappen has made his frustration clear, notably after being forced to suddenly stop his RB18 while running second in Melbourne before the car caught fire, as he labelled the ongoing situation "unacceptable".
Team principal Christian Horner can understand Verstappen's sentiments but has no doubt his driver "will bounce back".
Horner added: "He was obviously frustrated when he initially got out of the car [in Melbourne], but he knows that we’re all in it together as a team and we’ll bounce back.
"I am sure he will be coming back strong in Imola."
Red Bull to upgrade RB18 for Imola?
Ordinarily, the first race in Europe following a flyaway start to the campaign would see teams present their first major upgrade package.
Imola, however, presents a hindrance to that as there is sprint qualifying following a single hour-long practice session on Friday.
As to whether Red Bull will unveil 'a big package', Horner replied: "I wouldn’t say a big package.
"It’s all part of evolution and, of course, being a sprint race you get very little time to evaluate these things.
"You’ve got one session and then you’re into qualifying so you’ve got to be very confident about what you’re putting on the car."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Ferrari announce DRASTIC change as Verstappen issues dire warning to bosses - GPFans F1 Recap
- Today 00:27
Hamilton sends strong message over Gaza deaths
- Yesterday 22:57
F1 giants announce name change with IMMEDIATE effect
- Yesterday 21:57
Horner admits Red Bull at MAJOR disadvantage with new rules
- Yesterday 20:57
Horner reveals 'unhuman' Verstappen secret
- Yesterday 19:57
Sainz manager speaks out on 'game playing' over contract
- Yesterday 18:57
Related news
Horner reveals 'unhuman' Verstappen secret
Stats show SURPRISE F1 team dominate in crucial category
Schumacher reveals what F1 pundits are NOT allowed to say about Red Bull
Verstappen issues MAYHEM warning to F1 bosses
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860