Max Verstappen’s frustration reached a boiling point after a harrowing crash during the British Grand Prix, and Red Bull’s team principal Laurent Mekies agrees that the reigning champion has every right to be upset. A second consecutive rear wing malfunction left Verstappen spinning out of contention at Silverstone, raising serious concerns about the team’s reliability.
Verstappen was in a promising third place when disaster struck at Stowe corner, as his car lost crucial rear downforce due to a failure in the rear wing’s mechanics. This incident followed a similar scare during the Austrian Grand Prix qualifying, although Mekies clarified that the two malfunctions stemmed from different issues.
After the race, Verstappen didn’t hold back, describing his Red Bull as “dangerous” and expressing relief that he escaped injury. He voiced his frustration, stating he was “fed up” with the ongoing problems. His comments have sparked conversations about his future with the team, especially after reports surfaced that his management had engaged in discussions with McLaren regarding potential options.
Mekies acknowledged Verstappen’s anger, emphasizing that it’s incredibly disheartening for drivers to be let down by their cars in high-speed situations, especially in back-to-back races. “He is right to be unhappy,” Mekies stated. “It’s unpleasant for us as a team to see our drivers end up in the gravel.”
The issues stem from this year’s regulations, which involve active aerodynamics designed to optimize performance by adjusting wing configurations. Mekies confirmed that the rear wing failed to close properly as Verstappen approached the corner, leading to the spin. “We can see from the data that the wing didn’t close as it should have,” he explained.
Red Bull had previously introduced a unique wing design in Miami, which has been in use for several races now. Mekies did not rule out reverting to an older, more conventional design if investigations reveal a flaw in the current setup. “We will do whatever is necessary to ensure safety,” he assured.
As the team begins a thorough analysis of the situation, Mekies emphasized their commitment to leaving no stone unturned. The stakes are high, and with every race, the pressure mounts. Will Red Bull find a solution before the next race, or will Verstappen’s frustrations continue to grow?
