Verstappen says Red Bull was ‘a little average’ despite podium finish in Austin

Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion, admitted that his Red Bull Racing car was "just a little average" during the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Speaking to the media after the race, Verstappen expressed disappointment that the team could not extract more performance, even though he managed to finish on the podium in third place behind teammate Sergio Pérez and race‑winner Carlos Sainz.

Verstappen’s comments came after a weekend that saw the Dutch driver start from fourth on the grid and battle through the field in changing conditions. While the Red Bull car appeared competitive in the early stages, the team struggled to find the optimal balance in the final stint, allowing Ferrari’s Sainz to claim his first victory of the season and Pérez to take second. Verstappen’s own pace was hampered by tyre degradation and a brief off‑track excursion, which he later described as a symptom of the car’s overall lack of bite.

Red Bull’s technical director, Pierre‑Willy Rüegg, acknowledged the feedback, noting that the team had been focusing on a new aerodynamic package for the upcoming Asian swing. "We are constantly analysing the data from Austin and will use those insights to improve the car for the next races," he said. The team’s performance gap was evident in the straight‑line speed and cornering grip, areas where rivals Mercedes and Ferrari appeared to have an edge this weekend.

For Indian fans, the United States Grand Prix was broadcast live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi, and the race started at 02:30 IST. Verstappen’s candid assessment will be a talking point ahead of the next round in Singapore, where Red Bull will aim to close the performance gap and secure a stronger finish. Fans can catch the pre‑race press conference and post‑race analysis on FanCode’s dedicated F1 studio, which often features expert Indian pundits breaking down the technical nuances for a local audience.

Verstappen’s honesty underscores the high standards he sets for himself and his team, and it adds an extra layer of intrigue as the championship battle intensifies heading into the Asian leg of the calendar.

Source: Motorsport.com