The Las Vegas Grand Prix delivered a spectacle under the neon lights, but it wasn’t a glowing night for Max Verstappen. The reigning Formula 1 champion found himself embroiled in controversy and frustration after what he called a “terrible mistake” by his team, Red Bull Racing. The incident has sparked speculation about its potential to disrupt the team’s dominant season.

During a critical phase of the race, a strategic error by Red Bull saw Verstappen lose a significant advantage. A poorly timed pit stop or an ill-fated tire strategy — details are still emerging — left the Dutchman struggling to maintain his position. Verstappen, known for his laser-sharp focus and no-nonsense approach, was visibly furious during post-race interviews, citing frustration with decisions that “made no sense at the time.”

“I’m not happy. This shouldn’t happen at this level,” Verstappen remarked, his frustration barely contained. “We had the pace, but decisions like these cost us. It’s unacceptable.”

For a team that has dominated the season, securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships early, such a high-profile error has raised eyebrows. Verstappen’s comments suggest growing tensions within the team as they aim for a perfect end to the year.

The mistake has put a dent in Red Bull’s reputation for near-flawless execution. With rival teams Ferrari and Mercedes showing signs of resurgence, Red Bull’s margin for error is shrinking. The incident could also influence Verstappen’s confidence in his team, potentially leading to strategic overhauls ahead of the 2025 season.

Social media exploded with reactions from fans, with some defending Verstappen’s fiery outburst and others criticizing Red Bull’s complacency. “Max has every right to be angry. This could’ve been avoided,” one fan tweeted. Another wrote, “Even champions make mistakes. Red Bull will bounce back.”

As the F1 circus moves on to the next race, all eyes will be on Red Bull’s response. Can they regain their composure and deliver the excellence they’re known for? Or will this mistake haunt them as the season closes?

For Verstappen, this serves as a reminder that even the best teams can falter — and that the journey to becoming a legend in F1 is as much about handling setbacks as it is about victories.