Max Verstappen calls entire F1 paddock to drive RB 20 'faster than him'

At the beginning of the Formula 1 2024 season, Max Verstappen seemed destined for a fourth title with Red Bull. He had secured victories in four of the first five races, including three one-two finishes for Red Bull. This dominant start gave Red Bull a significant lead in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings. 

However, rapid advancements by McLaren and Ferrari have exposed Red Bull’s vulnerabilities in recent weeks. With Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc winning in Miami and Monaco, respectively, Verstappen has only secured one victory in the last three rounds. The challenges continued in Monaco, where Verstappen qualified sixth and teammate Sergio Perez failed to reach Q3 for the second consecutive race.

However, now defending his performance at Monaco Verstappen has called on the whole F1 grid to drive RB20 faster than him in Monaco. He even said that no other driver would have been able to finish sixth with that car in Monaco.

While speaking with media he said, “I would say no. And I would be happy to invite anyone in the paddock to drive this car faster than me.” The Dutchman compared the RB20 to a go-kart around the principality, stating that the car was "jumping around a lot" and "not absorbing any kerb strikes, bumps, or camber changes."

Max Verstappen’s father slammed Red Bull!

Meanwhile, the declining performance of Red Bull Racing in the last two or three weeks has sent shockwaves through the paddock. Speaking about it Max Verstappen’s father asked Red Bull to focus on racing rather than off-track talks. 

While speaking with the Dutch publication De Telegraaf he said, “For sure there will be other tracks where Red Bull will do well again, but I am very curious to see how they will solve these problems. They will have to do something about it, understand where certain difficulties come from.”

“Meanwhile, it is clear that McLaren and Ferrari are getting closer and closer. Max has been good at hiding some of the problems, but you can see how big the difference is between him and his teammate. It seems to me that Red Bull’s period of dominance has come to an end.” 

Notably, the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix will be very crucial for both Red Bull and Verstappen as a loss here will surely put them in danger of losing the top position in both championships.