Former F1 driver Martin Brundle has urged Max Verstappen to keep his "disappointment" in check this year. Brundle, a former McLaren driver who is now a veteran commentator for British television, told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he can sense the 19-year-old's frustration with Red Bull's 2017 car.
"He's so smart that I don't think he needs advice," Brundle said. "But he shouldn't get too frustrated that his car isn't faster. I can just see the disappointment on his face." Indeed, Red Bull has started the 2017 season admitting its chassis deficits, while an improved engine from Renault has been delayed.
Further up the grid, Brundle tipped a season-long battle for the title. "The battle between Mercedes and Ferrari will continue throughout the season," he said. "Both teams have great drivers." (GMM)
Replies (2)
Login to replyboudy
Posts: 1,168
Yep Red Bull has gone backwards; or more precisely Ferrari went forwards. Does Redbull have the support of Renault as previous years? or is their own (RENAULT) team a more pressing matter. I heard that hulkenberg is getting the pick of the engines now; not sure it matters currently but not having a Factory Engine deal is going to cause problems in the longer term.
Redbull needs an more compative powerplant than currently is the case it has been this case for the last couple of years.
The best drivers normally bubble up in the best cars; so I wonder how long the patience from VER will last; Guess there will be some clause in his contract around not having a compative car. Ferrari and Merc would both love him to drive from them however I just can't see him moving to another team at this stage. My guess is that RB will build the team/car around him next year and factory engine supplier will come onboard asap.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
No, Red Bull does not get the same support from Renault as they had up until 2016, and is merely a customer team now. Although the works team doesnt seem to get any more power, or at least no significant amount of power, out of their packages compared to what Renault and Toro Rosso get from theirs. I dont know how many ponies the coming Renault upgrade will give their PU, but it should certainly help Red Bull. I doubt Verstappen will leave Red Bull so early. Either way, I doubt Red Bull will let him go. And I also doubt Red Bull will build a car around just him, not when Ricciardo is his team mate.