Verstappen debunks Russell speculation: 'There's no reason for that'

Red Bull Racing is particularly fast in 2023. Mercedes driver George Russell tries to take on Max Verstappen but concluded that it is not possible. The Brit speculated that Red Bull is withholding speed for fear of the FIA. Verstappen indirectly retorted to him.

According to Russell, Red Bull would be afraid to use the full speed of the RB19 during race weekends. According to the Mercedes driver, Red Bull's speed is so much stronger than the competition that they could be met with suspicion if they were to be even more dominant. Russell expects the team to hold back even more for this reason.

That is nonsense according to championship leader Verstappen. The Dutchman is quoted by the BBC in the Chequered Flag-podcast asking if they are indeed holding back. Verstappen: "We are just doing our best with the development of the car. Apart from that, it's also about controlling the pace. Nobody knew [in Australia] how long the hard tyre would last."

According to Verstappen, there was nothing special about it. Red Bull is simply faster, and because few long runs had been driven during practice, there was the regular caution of keeping tyre wear under control. "There is no need to gain half a second every lap and destroy your tyres," he said.