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Red Bull suffered another difficult weekend in the current campaign at the most recent British Grand Prix, and all signs point to behind-the-scenes staff changes as a major factor in their woes.
After the euphoria of Max Verstappen securing a season-best P2 finish at Red Bull’s home race in Austria one week prior, the race weekend at Silverstone ended in disaster for the Dutchman.
He was on course for another podium following Kimi Antonelli’s issues in the latter stages of the race, but ended up losing his RB22 upon entry into Stow corner, which saw Verstappen’s race end in the gravel with just four laps remaining.
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The four-time world champion was furious in his post-race comments, highlighting his sodden mood to Sky Sports Germany with, “It’s annoying that we have so many problems but also that we are actually much too slow.”
Sentiments at Milton Keynes right now are fairly negative, with Verstappen also replying to a question about potential improvements for the RB22 by saying, “It’s difficult to say right now.”
Things aren’t looking good at all for the team, and it has also been noted how the noise surrounding Gianpiero Lambiase’s move across the pitlane is making it even more difficult.
- READ MORE: Max Verstappen was ‘angrier’ than ever before in Red Bull quarters after British Grand Prix
Gianpiero Lambiase is no longer involved in ‘everything’ at Red Bull
In a discussion on De Telegraaf’s Formula 1 podcast with Christijan Albers, journalist Erik van Haren outlined how Lambiase’s future move to McLaren is already throwing up challenges for the Austrian constructor.
Verstappen was unhappy with the setup of his RB22 for the majority of the race weekend at Silverstone, and Red Bull engineers were simply unable to get the balance of the F1 car right after the all-important sole free practice session on Friday.
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Van Haren then pointed towards how Lambiase is being phased out of certain meetings at the team as somewhat of a catalyst for the Dutchman’s setup woes, saying, “Lambiase isn’t involved in everything anymore, even in the meetings and so on.
“This transition is also a bit of a thorn in the side, but then again, it makes sense, too. It’s normal because someone’s going to leave eventually.
“From Red Bull’s point of view, they say: ‘We’ve got our own engine for the first time. We’ve already made significant progress compared to the start of the year, when we were lagging behind. We’re getting a new wind tunnel next year.’
“Verstappen is completely looking the other way at the moment. He’s not so positive, and then there’s also the whole business of what the Red Bull management really wants. I’m not saying they’re begging, but they just want an answer from him.
“They’ve been wanting that for ages now. It’s just that Verstappen says, ‘No, I’m in no hurry; I’m not saying anything just yet.’ But that naturally creates some friction, too, on both sides. That is simply my observation.”
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