Max Verstappen might have delivered a jaw-dropping victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, storming from 17th on the grid to claim the top step of the podium in treacherous wet conditions, but he’s not letting the win paper over the cracks in Red Bull Racing’s RB20 performance.
After enduring a rare 10-race winless streak, Verstappen’s stunning display at Interlagos has put him within touching distance of a fourth consecutive Formula 1 world title. With the championship hanging in the balance, Verstappen only needs to outscore McLaren’s Lando Norris in Las Vegas to secure the crown. Yet, the Dutchman is quick to temper expectations, admitting that Brazil’s success doesn’t mean Red Bull has resolved its issues.
“Victory Doesn’t Mean the RB20 is Fixed”
Despite his heroic comeback, Verstappen remains realistic about the RB20’s struggles, particularly in dry conditions where the car has lagged behind rivals like McLaren.
“It’s not that because we won in the rain in Brazil, suddenly everything is fixed,” Verstappen told media. “Of course, it gave me a good position in the championship, but I also have to be realistic that we’re still not the quickest.”
He pointed out that the rain helped level the playing field in Sao Paulo, masking Red Bull’s ongoing balance and race pace deficiencies.
“The Championship Isn’t Over Until It’s Over”
While Verstappen is a virtual lock for his fourth title, the Dutchman isn’t taking anything for granted. For him, the focus remains on delivering top-tier performances every weekend, regardless of the championship implications.
“The pressure is I want to always do well every single weekend,” he emphasized. “It’s not necessarily about the championship. I’m just trying to enjoy the weekend and see how competitive we can be.”
With Red Bull’s dry-weather struggles still looming large, Verstappen stressed the importance of continuing to extract the maximum from himself and the car.
“A Cold Vegas Awaits: Who Will Shine?”
Looking ahead to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen expressed uncertainty about Red Bull’s competitiveness on the frigid street circuit, citing last year’s chilly conditions as a potential wildcard. He also highlighted the rise of McLaren and Ferrari as significant threats.
“The last few races McLaren has been the quickest, but last year Ferrari was very fast there,” Verstappen noted. “Every year it can be a bit different. Other teams have brought a lot of upgrades compared to last year.”
“The Final Push”
With just a handful of races left, Verstappen knows that the RB20’s issues could make the difference between securing the title in Las Vegas or dragging the fight to Qatar. While the Dutchman is undoubtedly in the driver’s seat for the championship, his victory in Brazil serves as a reminder of his brilliance rather than proof of Red Bull’s supremacy.
In the glittering streets of Las Vegas, the stakes couldn’t be higher—not just for Verstappen’s legacy, but for Red Bull’s ability to keep up with an increasingly competitive grid.
