Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing have lost their dominant position in Formula 1, now trailing McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Despite securing pole position at the Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen struggles to compete with the McLaren duo in races while aiming for his fifth consecutive world championship. Former F1 team boss Guenther Steiner attributes Verstappen’s pole performance to his ability to push the limits of the car, stating that during qualifying, Verstappen can become “Super Max.” He noted that Norris and Piastri, aware of their race pace advantage, often play it safe in qualifying, limiting themselves to 99% of their potential to avoid risks, allowing Verstappen to claim pole. Steiner also emphasized Verstappen’s aggressive racing style, describing him as an “animal” during wheel-to-wheel battles. The intensity of Verstappen’s driving has led to criticisms from competitors, yet he remains committed to his approach, which he believes is essential for success. This aggressive style could lead to greater frustration if he continues to fall short against McLaren in future races. Ultimately, Verstappen’s determination and competitive spirit remain uncompromised, despite recent challenges.
