Ex Red Bull F1 Driver Sounds off the Alarm Bells for Max Verstappen Despite Turkey Podium

In the recently concluded Turkish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen produced a stunning performance to claim second place. With this result, he also reclaimed the lead in the driver’s championship from Lewis Hamilton, who finished P5.

However, Sunday’s race once again showed the difference in pace between Mercedes and Red Bull, as Valtteri Bottas claimed his first win in 2021. Following this race, former Red Bull driver Mark Webber expressed his concerns on Verstappen’s title chances.

Turkish GP leaves Mark Webber concerned about Max Verstappen

Although Verstappen displayed excellent skill in Istanbul, Bottas won by a comfortable margin. In fact, the Dutchman failed to trouble him right from the beginning of the race.

Webber believed Verstappen wouldn’t face any difficulties in battling with Bottas on Sunday. However, Sunday’s events left the Australian worried about the 24-year-old’s chances to win his maiden title this year.

He said, “I’m a little worried about Max Verstappen. Because based on the last races you have to ask yourself whether he will get a car that is fast enough to be able to defeat Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.

“Before the race, I had thought that Max would drive circles around Valtteri with slope conditions like this. But then it turned out that Verstappen couldn’t find a means against Bottas’ speed in the Mercedes.” (Quotes translated by Google)

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Webber: Red Bull need to react

Despite the Austrian outfit arguably having the faster car, the Silver Arrows seem to have turned that around after the summer break. Webber believes his former team need to respond effectively in order to stay in the hunt till the end.

“Mercedes is currently the faster car on dry and wet tracks, Red Bull Racing has to react. I don’t know how Mercedes did it, through engine optimization or aerodynamic improvements, but they have undoubtedly taken a step forward.”

With six races to go, Verstappen leads Hamilton by six points in the driver’s championship. However, Red Bull trail Mercedes by 36 points in the constructor’s championship. Can they produce stellar results in the races that remain? Or will the defending world champions reign supreme once again?

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