'Max Verstappen is the decisive factor in Red Bull's speed'

Christijan Albers believes that Red Bull Racing, led by Pierre Waché, must now demonstrate their ability to stay competitive without Adrian Newey. He suggests that Max Verstappen’s strong performances might be masking deeper issues within the team.

Albers says in his column for De Telegraaf that he does not see the situation at Red Bull as particularly rosy at the moment. "But maybe I will be surprised. It's make or break for technical director Pierre Waché and his team," the Dutchman stresses. "It was always said that Adrian Newey, now working for Aston Martin, was no longer that influential in recent years. Well, show it now then!

"Red Bull needs to show that they can improve," Albers continued, given Red Bull’s expertise and resources, you would expect them to find a way to turn things around. However, in reality, he sees little evidence of that happening. "But I've honestly seen little progression at Red Bull since the time they were dominant."

In addition, he thinks Verstappen is making the situation look better than it really is. "The picture is now also distorted by the Max factor. I am firmly convinced that he is driving those last 3.5-tenths. Max is the decisive factor. Also in combination with his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, in searching and finding the right set-up and things like that."

Despite his criticism, Albers also had some praise for the Austrian team. "What does impress Red Bull is the way they are able to fine-tune the car during a race weekend." Albers acknowledges that a sprint race weekend adds an extra layer of difficulty compared to a regular Grand Prix weekend. "Although like now in China, it's trickier with a sprint format because you've only had one free practice."

Do you believe that without Max Verstappen, Red Bull would find themselves in a tough position? Let us know below!