Verstappen does not understand criticism: 'Do I have to go and blame everyone?'

Red Bull Racing expressed high expectations prior to the Formula 1 season, but proved unable to live up to those expectations. Max Verstappen stands up for his team, because he does not think that criticism is justified.

''Some people then think they're getting their grams and pretend they know all the ins and outs of Formula 1, but if they did, they would have designed that car. We are still the second best team in Formula 1'', says Verstappen opposite De Telegraaf. The Dutchman dropped out during the first race of the season and saw his championship dream go up in smoke.

Of course, Verstappen still had quite a few chances during the season, but Mercedes simply turned out to be too strong. Red Bull had made a step forward, but Mercedes was just a bit faster. Verstappen would have preferred things to be different himself, but can't do much with people's criticism.

Verstappen also doesn't see what else he should do. ''What will linger longer, that joy or disappointment? Neither, actually. Such a victory over Silverstone was nice, but Mercedes had huge problems with their tyres at the time and we had the right strategy. I also knew that that was more or less an incident. And for me, after those downturns, there is no point in being stuck in disappointment for too long. Then the working relationship will not improve. You also have to make sure that all noses remain in the same direction and that we have a pleasant working relationship'', concludes Verstappen.