F1 insider confident Verstappen can fight for win at Spa but eyes an obstacle

19:32, 21 Jul

Updated: 21:04, 21 Jul

byTobia Elia

Jolyon Palmer believes that Max Verstappen and Red Bull have what it takes to fight for victory at Spa, in what will be the team's first historic Grand Prix without Christian Horner at the helm.

Red Bull is currently navigating a highly delicate transitional phase, with Laurent Mekies stepping in for the first time to lead the Milton Keynes team after taking over from Christian Horner, who—for the first time—will no longer be calling the shots from the pit wall.

Still, despite an up-and-down season so far, the show must go on. Red Bull is counting on Max Verstappen’s undeniable talent, hoping that the Belgian GP—a track that has historically suited the Austrian car—can mark a fresh start.

Max Verstappen

Verstappen in contention for victory at Spa?

Guest on the F1 Nation podcast, former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer believes the Dutchman has what it takes to fight for victory at the upcoming Spa weekend.

When asked if it was possible to see Verstappen win at Spa, the Briton replied: ''I think it could be. Also remember Max won his first Grand Prix at Red Bull so it would be the full lineage coming back in for Laurent now getting his first win.''

''I don't think it necessarily would be like an indictment of where the team are at. I don't think they'd suddenly be fixed but I do think they have a good race team and I think they will have a good car at Spa.''

''And I think with Max driving it, I'm not saying that there'll be favorites, but I would be surprised if they're out of contention and yeah, they've got a decent shot.''

Will sprint format affect RB21 performance?

One potential obstacle Red Bull might face, according to Palmer, is the sprint format. Historically, this year the Milton Keynes engineers have struggled to get the RB21 dialed in right from the early practice sessions.

''The one thing that might throw a spanner in the works is the fact that it's a sprint weekend and Red Bull often would take a little bit more time to get the car into a good window,'' he concluded.