A solid start to the 2024 Dutch GP couldn’t help Max Verstappen in securing P1. This means that the Dutchman’s dominance streak in Zandvoort finally ended. Although P2 isn’t that bad, Max didn’t want to stand on the second step in his home race. And after leading the race for eighteen laps, straight, the troubled RB20 began to show its true colors. This is when Red Bull lost their dominance, this is where the massive gap between the lead and him started appearing.

Lando Norris has done the impossible; he had a 20-second lead over Max when he passed the chequered flag. Given, how dominating the Dutchman can be on the track, a gap of double digits seems too good to be true. At the same, this should be alarming for the Milton Keynes HQ, why? Because their world champion driver is slipping away from winning races.

The faulty RB20 caused a major part of the debacle. Despite the upgrade packages, a new Power Unit, and Max Verstappen’s clear efforts, the car isn’t complying with the demands. Even today, ‘Mad Max’ repeatedly complained about how his RB20 wasn’t turning- “This car does not turn oh my days I’ve seen shopping carts better than this,” reported Verstappen. This problematic issue has been persistent throughout this season for Red Bull. There can be several reasons behind this ‘turning trouble’ It’s hard to believe the Austrian team hasn’t yet detected the root cause.

If the turning problem continues, Max Verstappen will face a tough time in Baku and Singapore. Both the tracks have tricky and fast corners. Although we know Verstappen is capable of overturning the odds, the situation in 2024 isn’t particularly favorable. Placing the right cards at the right time will now become crucial for Christian Horner and Co.

Bells of concern ring for Max Verstappen as old problems follow him

The Dutch Grand Prix has exposed many flaws in the Red Bull car. Not just for Max Verstappen, the race was equally tricky for Sergio Perez. But since the Flying Dutchman was racing for P1, his problems were more in the limelight. Moreover, the gap between Lando Norris and Max keeps reducing with every race, as the battle for the Driver’s Championship will gradually turn fierce. Meanwhile, the obscurity in performance is bringing beads of perspiration to Christian Horner’s foreheads. With creased eyebrows and myriads of worries in their minds, Red Bull will now prepare themselves for Monza.

However, this could be a turning point for the energy drink brand. But the real concerns are the Azerbaijan GP and the Singapore GP which will make up the double-header soon. Both the tracks are super tricky. With both slow and fast corners and tough braking zones, Max Verstappen could see a reiteration of his struggles. Maybe, the repeat telecast of Budapest can also be seen. The Marina Bay Street Circuit hasn’t been Red Bull or Max Verstappen’s strongest arena, but Baku has surely been one. But given the situation the team is currently facing, all the races for the rest of the season are going to be challenging.

Zandvoort was an eyesore, to say the least. Max not only missed his fourth consecutive win but also faced terrible issues with the car. The last time Verstappen won in this season was at the Spanish GP, which was in June. Since then, five Grand Prix races have taken place and he’s won none so far. You can partly imagine the desperation in the 3x champ and also understand the trouble he and his team are in. What can we do for now? Nothing other than waiting in anticipation for the Dutch National Anthem to play once again. When will that happen? It’s hard to predict.