Ex-Red Bull driver sees disappointing weekend and 'very difficult future' for Verstappen

20:20, 01 Jul

Updated: 21:05, 01 Jul

byHidde Korte

Max Verstappen had a very disappointing weekend in Austria. The Dutchman qualified in P7, and on Sunday, his race was over after just one lap. Former Red Bull driver Christian Klien views the rest of the season gloomily for Verstappen.

In the Sport und Talk aus dem Hangar 7 programme on Servus TV, the former driver reacted to the Dutchman's weekend: ‘’I think it’s now very, very difficult for Max. The point difference with championship leader Piastri is already very large at 61 points. Red Bull Racing has made improvements to the car, but they haven’t worked out as well.''

''If McLaren comes up with something [new], they will fall even further behind. I see little chance for Verstappen, especially since he is essentially driving for a one-car team."

Max Verstappen together with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko

Klien of course is referring to the second driver of the Red Bull team. The team started this season with Liam Lawson next to Verstappen, but the New Zealander was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after just two rounds.

‘’Max has finished off many teammates. In hindsight, Sergio Pérez provided solid work for years. Two years ago, the car's driving capability was so poor that even the experienced Mexican couldn't keep up. The car's setup is completely tailored to Max, and he is usually the only one who can handle it.’’

Horner sees Tsunoda struggle in Austrian GP

Earlier, team principal Christian Horner commented on Tsunoda's race at the Red Bull Ring. Horner saw that Tsunoda couldn't deliver this weekend and was quite critical of the Japanese. The Japanese had a disappointing weekend and was the last car crossing the finish line at the Austrian GP.