The Formula 1 circus has descended on Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, a race that always guarantees spectacle at the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. This weekend started with mixed feelings for Red Bull Racing, and especially for Max Verstappen, who gave a comment after the first two free practice sessions that left the team in shock. With the world championship heating up and a McLaren team dominating, all eyes were on the Dutchman. What exactly did Verstappen say, and why did his comments cause such a stir within the team?
The first free practice on Friday evening Dutch time started promisingly for Verstappen. He posted the fastest time with a 1:13.1, a performance that gave hope after a difficult weekend in Spain. Rivals McLaren visibly struggled for grip, while Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc crashed early on, which briefly halted the session. Verstappen seemed comfortable and the RB21 car felt good, as he confirmed afterwards: “FP1 I was quite happy with the car.” This optimism was a welcome change for Red Bull, who are struggling with a deficit of 39 points to Lando Norris and 49 points to Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ championship. The Dutchman, who is known for his down-to-earth attitude, seemed determined to make a fist in Canada.
But the mood changed during the second free practice session. Verstappen finished only P9, a result that was not only disappointing but also raised questions about the car’s set-up. After the session, he declared that the balance of the RB21 had “gotten lost somewhere” and that the team urgently needed to investigate what was going wrong. Those comments were worrying in themselves, but it was his closing remarks that left the Red Bull team speechless: “If we don’t find something soon, it’s going to be a very tough weekend. Maybe we just have to accept that we can’t fight for the win.” For a team accustomed to Verstappen’s combative attitude even in difficult times, this unusually pessimistic tone came as a shock.
Red Bull immediately began an analysis of the problems. According to sources close to the team, a set-up adjustment between FP1 and FP2 would have upset the balance, possibly by trying to find more speed on the long straights of the circuit. This is crucial in Canada, where the ‘Wall of Champions’ and heavy braking zones require a compromise between downforce and top speed. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, has hinted that the team needs to “go back to basics” to give Verstappen confidence again. The threat of a suspension also hangs over Verstappen: with 11 penalty points on his superlicence, he cannot afford to make any mistakes, which puts extra pressure on his driving style.
Outside the team, Verstappen’s reaction has also sparked speculation in the paddock. Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz, with whom Verstappen recently had a heated exchange over an incident in Spain, suggested that the Dutchman may be frustrated by internal issues at Red Bull. The departure of key team members, such as Jonathan Wheatley and Dan Sayers, has changed the dynamic within the team. Yet Verstappen himself remains stoic: “We are looking internally at what can be improved, but I am not going to point fingers in front of the camera.” This loyalty to his team is admirable, but may mask a growing unrest.
For the fans in the Netherlands, who stay up late to watch Verstappen shine, the situation is worrying. Qualifying on Saturday night (22:00 Dutch time) and the race on Sunday (20:00) will be crucial. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with its unpredictable weather and challenging layout, offers opportunities for surprises, but also risks. McLaren introduced an improved front wing, while Mercedes shows signs of recovery with George Russell. Verstappen will need all his experience to close the gap.
Whatever the outcome, Verstappen’s unusually candid comments after FP2 have the Formula 1 world on edge. Is this a rare moment of doubt from the four-time world champion, or a strategic move to put pressure on the team? One thing is for sure: in Canada, every moment will count, both on and off the track.
