Verstappen wants a complete reset with Red Bull: 'Something is wrong'

Verstappen had a difficult Saturday at Silverstone. During qualifying he complained several times over the radio about engine issues. In the end, the Dutchman could do no better than seventh, while teammate Isack Hadjar qualified fifth. Afterwards, Verstappen confirmed that the problems only arose during qualifying.

"We tried, but in terms of set-up we didn’t really improve anything. On top of that, we’re simply slow on the straights. Somehow there seems to be something wrong with the engine. That’s my biggest concern for tomorrow," says Verstappen. During the sprint race, the Red Bull driver didn’t notice anything yet. According to Verstappen, the problem only emerged a few hours later, during qualifying.

The Dutchman already reported over the radio in Q2 that the engine wasn’t responding normally. A frustrated message followed later, and after Q3 he ended the session sarcastically with the words: "This is getting worse and worse. Impressive."

Verstappen would therefore prefer Red Bull to intervene before the Grand Prix, even if it costs him grid positions: "Yes, preferably. If you stay here, you’ll just keep running here. Then you might gain one spot back. In that regard, I’d rather we do make some changes."

When asked what exactly he’s feeling, Verstappen is clear: "It just isn’t running. We’re too slow on every straight." As if that weren’t enough, the RB22 is still struggling with balance issues, according to Verstappen. "It’s just both not good," he adds.

Especially at Silverstone, where long straights alternate with fast corners, that hurts Red Bull. Verstappen acknowledges that the track’s characteristics expose the car’s weaknesses even more. Still, the Dutchman sees a difference between the issues he expected beforehand and what he ultimately encountered. "I think from a driving experience standpoint it was to be expected. In terms of the car’s balance, it’s worse for us than we anticipated," said Verstappen.