Verstappen points to past: "That's exactly why you have to keep developing"

Max Verstappen was a close second, but he still goes to France as the leader in the championship. Both the Dutchman and title rival Lewis Hamilton scored zero points and so the standings at the top remain exactly the same.

Difficult decision for the team

Red Bull Racing is also at the top of the championship and even strengthened its position with Sergio Perez's win in Baku. Red Bull will be looking to hold on to both titles until the end of the season, but will also need to look at the development of the 2022 car ahead of the upcoming regulations changes.

Despite this, Verstappen wants nothing to do with shifting the focus to 2022. "As long as we have a good chance of winning the championship, then we definitely shouldn't let it go," the Dutchman told Motorsport.com. "That's obviously a tough decision for the team to make. Of course, some teams can already say 'this year is a bit difficult anyway', but next year we might be able to win. But if we already have a chance this year, then we will definitely go for it."

Past example

Verstappen points to BMW with Robert Kubica as an example of a team making the wrong choice. BMW had serious title chances in 2008, but focused too early on the 2009 car, causing Kubica's title chances to disappear like snow in the sun. "That's exactly why you have to develop," said the world championship leader.

However, he does not think the further development of the RBR16B needs to get in the way of the design of the new car. "I think we have enough good people running in the factory to come up with a strong car next year as well."