Red Bull can relate to the fact that a few mistakes and slips can bring the apocalypse. Wasn’t this season already difficult enough that they’ve added more worries to the plate? Losing the Constructor’s title would be the last thing the team would want. Most importantly, Max Verstappen‘s drop from the top has become a greater problem. The reigning world champion’s fall haunts Christian Horner, as his dad, Jos’ fierce criticism awaits the team principal.

It is no secret that Verstappen Sr. and Horner haven’t been on great terms lately. Earlier this year, Max Verstappen’s father, publicly called out Red Bull‘s CEO for the allegations that kept him disturbed. Meanwhile, the former F1 driver kept threatening the team that he’d pull Max out if the situation didn’t improve. At one point, the 3x champ’s exit seemed more plausible than ever, but. that did not happen. But now that Max has failed to win 5 consecutive races over two months, Jos cannot keep calm.

Speaking with De Telegraaf, Max Verstappen’s father put Red Bull on trial. A team that after starting very well at the start of the season has lost its way and now sees McLaren far behind both in terms of one lap and race pace. Jos harshly commented: “The fact that they have to go back to the car from the beginning of this year says it all. They don’t have what it takes at the moment. I think they should take a good look at themselves in the mirror.”  Papa Verstappen firmly believes the Austrian racing team, doesn’t have what it takes to win in the ongoing season. The Dutch GP was one of the eye-openers for Red Bull fans. Jos also understands that if the same problems show up, there is no chance, even in their wildest dreams, that they’d win any title.

Lando Norris cut almost four-tenths off Verstappen in Q3 and gained 22 seconds in the race, including a fastest lap and an overtaking move. Moreover, Verstappen’s subdued reaction on the podium showed it hit hard. P2 wasn’t up to the ‘Max Verstappen’ mark. The homeboy desperately wanted to win his home race. But in the most disappointing conditions, he slipped- terribly.

A 22-second gap between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen has put Red Bull on alert mode

Was Zandvoort anything less than a nightmare for Max Verstappen? No. The three-time world champion had an amazing launch, outperforming pole sitter Lando Norris.  It felt like the McLaren No.1 would keep up with his ritual of not winning from the pole. That would’ve come true had the RB20 not begun to cause disruption. Initially, Max complained about his speed, he felt the car wasn’t fast enough to keep the McLaren at bay. But soon an old eyesore made its comeback.

Max Verstappen began experiencing problems while turning at the corners. This massive issue caused difficulties for the Dutchman, and he couldn’t hold off Lando after lap 18. So, ‘Mad Max’ might have now turned into ‘Mini Max’, as he complained to GP Lambiase: “This car does not turn oh my days I’ve seen shopping carts better than this.” The 2024 Dutch Grand Prix could’ve become a story of Red Bull’s resurgence, unfortunately, the opposite happened instead. Some fans have also questioned if Adrian Newey, took away the entire tech brains with him when he left. This question seems more valid than ever, given how the flaws are out in the public.

Jos Verstappen‘s stern dig at Christian Horner and Co. makes so much sense after the Zandvoort fiasco. The upcoming races are going to be equally difficult if the team fails to detect the root trouble. Max Verstappen’s championship is at risk, all thanks to repeated disappointments and McLaren’s dominance. Will Red Bull make a comeback in Monza next week? What do you predict? Share your thoughts below.