Max Verstappen has continued to face the effect of Red Bull’s extreme performance struggle in the 2024 season. The Dutchman could only manage a P6 start for the race which was already frustrating enough. However, the 26-year-old has been facing gripping issues at the Azerbaijan GP. Hence, Verstappen was spotted showcasing an irritated response to his race engineer.
Gianpiero Lambiase and Max Verstappen share an extremely friendly and professional relationship on track. Both individuals work well with each other with little to no problems. During the Azerbaijan GP, Lambiase asked Verstappen to cancel the lift at Turn 13 due to the turn being highly dependent on the braking pressure.
Let's start cancelling the lift at 13, please, Max. It's all brake application rate.Gianpiero Lambiase told Max Verstappen on team radio
Verstappen was unfazed by the request from Lambiase as he didn’t want to follow the orders. The Dutchman declared that he wouldn’t slow down the car without hitting the peak pace. Verstappen further revealed the reason for this irritable comment from him. The 26-year-old claimed that he had ‘no bite’ in the car further indicating the lack of grip.
If I don't hit the peak, I'm not stopping the car. I have zero bite in the car.Max Verstappen said on the team radio
GP: “Let’s start cancelling the lift at 13, please, Max. It’s all brake application rate.”
Max: “If I don’t hit the peak, I’m not stopping the car. I have zero bite in the car.”#AzerbaijanGP
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) September 15, 2024
Max Verstappen pinpointed importance of tire management for good pace at Azerbaijan GP
Max Verstappen has tried to keep up with impressive performances despite the incessant struggle of the team. However, ahead of the Azerbaijan GP, Verstappen noted that tire management was of utmost importance at the Baku City Circuit. The Dutchman believed that the preservation was necessary during the second set of tires.
I think it all depends on how you are on tyres, especially on the second set. Again, it is just something that we will find out in the race.Max Verstappen said during the pre-race interview
Max Verstappen: “I think it all depends on how you are on tyres, especially on the second set. Again, it is just something that we will find out in the race.”
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) September 15, 2024
Red Bull has continued to implement upgrades on the chassis to manage a revival in performance. However, the constructor is constantly failing to return to their dominating ways. Hence, the remaining eight races will be extremely crucial for the team to score well and fend off against the in-form McLaren.