Red Bull did not bring updates to the RB22 at the Dutch GP, held last Sunday (23), and Max Verstappen made it clear that the current team scenario does not allow for expecting a sudden performance transformation. For the four-time Formula 1 world champion, the below-expected results in Zandvoort reflect the position the team occupies this season.
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Verstappen finished the sprint race only in sixth place and, in the main race, had his participation ended still in the first lap. The driver suffered a heavy crash in the last corner of the track and caused a red flag. The Dutchman emerged unscathed from the accident, but the episode made his farewell to the Dutch GP even more disappointing. This may have been his last participation in Zandvoort in Formula 1, as the circuit will be removed from the calendar next season.
“I would like more, but you have to be realistic,” said the Dutchman. “This season, we are the fourth fastest team, so it’s not like we arrived in Zandvoort and suddenly could do magical things. Things are as they are. Other teams brought updates; we did not bring any. When you are already at a disadvantage, that puts you at an even bigger disadvantage. So, it’s nothing surprising; it’s just the reality we live in.”
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Despite the difficulties faced by Verstappen, Red Bull still had a good result with Liam Lawson, who replaced Isack Hadjar, who is injured. The New Zealander finished in seventh place.
Last week, Verstappen announced the renewal of his contract with the team until 2030.
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