Verstappen gives verdict on whether Red Bull can win again in 2024 as barren run continues

Max Verstappen has admitted to doubts about whether he and Red Bull will stand on the top step of the podium again this season, with the driver and team’s win-less run growing to five races last time out at Zandvoort.

Verstappen was second-best to McLaren rival Lando Norris throughout his home Grand Prix weekend, having stated after qualifying and the race that the RB20 was simply “not quick enough” to contend for top spot.

READ MORE: ‘Max won’t have taken that too well’ – Ricciardo sends Norris warning over cheeky ‘simply lovely’ victory comment

As the F1 paddock rolls on to Monza, Verstappen’s lead over Norris in the drivers’ standings sits at a reduced 70 points, while Red Bull are now just 30 points clear in the constructors’ battle – having led the way by more than 300 points at the same point last year.

Asked during his Thursday media duties if he thinks he will have a car to win again this season, having last triumphed in June’s Spanish Grand Prix, Verstappen replied: “At the moment we don’t, but there are a lot of different tracks coming up where hopefully we can do better.

“I don’t expect the weekends to be all the time like Zandvoort. I think for us it was just not a great weekend, we were just always a bit too slow and now it’s up to us to find a better balance in the car to be more competitive.

NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2024 Italian Grand Prix

“It’s [a] more difficult [period] than we would’ve liked, that’s for sure, but everyone is trying to stick together and improve it. We’re working very hard to find more performance again.

“A tough weekend is still P2, so that’s not too bad, but we want more – we want to win, or at least challenge for a win. In Zandvoort that was definitely not the case, but I’m confident that we can be more competitive than what we showed.”

Verstappen stressed the need for himself and Red Bull to “focus on ourselves” during the Italian Grand Prix, noting that the squad have “a few ideas to try” to get back on terms with McLaren and turn the tables on their rivals.

While he is naturally keen to get back to winning ways, Verstappen brushed aside questions over Norris and McLaren’s form – specifically whether he fears they could dominate from here to the final round in Abu Dhabi.

“It might happen, but it’s not in my control,” said Verstappen. “I only try to control the things that are in my control. That, I cannot control, so you shouldn’t waste any energy on that because it’s not in my hands.

READ MORE: ‘I still get nervous’ – Norris explains how he has learned to deal with external pressure amid his championship fight

“I’ll just try to improve the situation with myself and the car and just try to get a better balance. If we get a better balance, it will help everything and the performance of the car naturally.”