Max Verstappen says his Red Bull Formula 1 team should not accept the new reality of rival teams closing as “normal”. Red Bull have had two dominant seasons under the current regulation cycle, but having restarted with a commanding advantage with the RB20, McLaren have now closed the gap, with Mercedes and Ferrari also competing on the tracks Race to suit their car. Red Bull chief engineer Paul Monaghan said the team’s achievements in developing the RB20 were shrinking, while team boss Christian Horner also felt it was important for other teams to close the gap. over time is normal.

“If you ignore 2023, we’re in for a great year,” Horner said. “It’s just that 2023 is a unicorn and this is normal. This is Formula 1. “It’s normal to have good teams, good drivers and there will be competition. And the benefit of stable regulations is that it always converges.” But speaking ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix, Verstappen doesn’t want Red Bull to accept the new normal, or be satisfied with the fact that he can still take three wins in five. closest wins when the team doesn’t necessarily have the fastest car.

“Overall, everyone is getting closer,” he said. “Of course, we had a big dominating year last year, even up to the last race. And yeah, at this point things are just a little bit more difficult and I think we just need Be honest about it. “We can say: ‘Yes, that’s normal’. I don’t think that’s normal. We always want to get better and that’s why I mentioned that. “I could also say: ‘Yes, we won, so it’s okay.’ But of course, I don’t see it that way. “We have to keep working hard. If we think this is normal, people will surpass us.”

When asked where he feels McLaren is stronger now, he replied: “Obviously we are lacking certain things. I feel McLaren just needs better balance, the front of the car is solid, They can attack corners well without overheating the tires.” . “And they really do well everywhere. The faster the track. And of course we’re a little less [competitive] on those streets. “On the curb and the bumps, you’ve got two things that really need to be addressed. “The vehicle’s drivability as well as its balance, but those are things that cannot be resolved overnight. “It’s clear now that other countries have made greater strides than us.”

The world champion said he is personally pushing Red Bull’s factory staff to make the upgrades as soon as possible over the summer months. “That’s right. And I’m very busy with that,” he explained. “Every day I work with engineers and I also try to release updates earlier, which is normal. “I’m allowed to criticize. If I say, ‘Yeah, it’s okay. I’ll see you guys next Thursday.’ Things don’t go well for long after that. “Of course, I’m confident in the continued development of the car overall, but it has to come to fruition over the coming weekends as we bring those updates to the car.”