Former technical director predicts difficult scenario for Red Bull if Verstappen decides to leave

20:38, 01 Jul

Updated: 20:53, 01 Jul

byHidde Korte

Max Verstappen did not have the most fortunate weekend of his career. The Dutchman was knocked out of the race in the first round by Kimi Antonelli. Former technical director of Jordan and Jaguar, Gary Anderson, predicts a bleak scenario if Verstappen decides to close the door behind him.

In his weekly column in The Telegraph, Anderson reflects on what would take place if a rumoured transfer from Verstappen would end up happening: "If Red Bull were to lose him, they would be in danger of becoming midfield. Verstappen is so good, in fact, that he is masking the increasing deficiencies that have crept in over the past 18 months."

"Despite a couple of superb surprise victories this year, things do not seem to be getting any better. I am not sure Red Bull have a grip on how to make their car better or, even more importantly, more driver-friendly."

max verstappen tijdens vt3 in oostenrijk

Max Verstappen in action at the Red Bull Ring during the Austrian GP

Doubts at Red Bull Racing about driver alongside Verstappen

Verstappen performs week in, week out better than his teammate and thus seems to stand alone every week when it comes to earning points for his team. Yuki Tsunoda has experienced difficulties in driving the car since his move to Red Bull Racing. According to Anderson, this is only down to the to the second drivers the team had, and Verstappen also deserves a compliment for this.

"It got to the point where the team said: ‘Well, if Max can do it in one car, the other driver should be able to do it.’ It does not work like that. Verstappen is an exceptional driver, and was good enough to keep the team motivated with victories, but they have been few and far between since the halfway point last season."

"On occasion, the set-up is there for Verstappen, as he showed with wins in Suzuka and Imola. The margins are very fine, though, and striking a balance is difficult. A bit too much front end and the rear is snappy."

"A bit less and it understeers, something Verstappen hates. At the moment, Red Bull are paying the price, with both their drivers, for not having a big enough operating window. They appear to be stuck in a circle without any way out. New drivers are unable to build up their confidence and then their speed."

Verstappen Remains with Red Bull Racing for Now

In recent days, numerous reports have surfaced indicating that Max Verstappen may be leaving Red Bull, including a Brazilian journalist who broke the news that the exit clause had been activated.

GPblog could report on Monday that Verstappen would prefer not to leave Red Bull Racing. That could change, supposedly, if team principal Christian Horner’s power is not scaled back.