Verstappen: We know that we don't need to panic

From FP1, wet and dry, Verstappen had consistent issues with the car's balance. He also lamented the car's lack of pace as well as unusual tyre degradation - a new problem, it seems. These recent difficulties with the car's performance highlighted areas that they need to understand and improve upon quickly as McLaren are alone ahead of the pecking order with their MCL38.

During the 34th edition of the Dutch GP on Sunday, it was clear that Verstappen - on the occasion of his 200th Grand Prix start - lacked the firepower to fend off eventual race winner Lando Norris, but the #1 car did lead for 18 laps before it was game over sooner than expected. Norris went on to win by 23 seconds!

After the race, pressed about the balance issues on the Red Bull, Verstappen explained: "It wasn't there in the first few races. But yeah, something in the car has made it more difficult to drive. And it's very hard to pinpoint where that is coming from at the moment. And yeah, that is then hurting, of course, our one-lap performance, but also our long run."

Next up, with no time to rest, is the Italian Grand Prix at high-speed Monza with FP this Friday. Verstappen said of Red Bull's chances in Italy: "I don't know. We just need to figure out our balance issues. That will already help a lot with tyre degradation.

"Of course, in Monza, a lot is new. You know, tarmac, kerbs, even the layout in Turn 1, 2. We need to understand a bit more. But, yes we know we have quite a bit of work to do."

McLaren are very much a threat to Red Bull's title aspirations. More so the 2024 F1 constructors' championship, but Verstappen's fourth drivers' crown in a row is also not a given, come the end of this season.

Verstappen continued: "I think this weekend was just a bad weekend in general. So we need to understand that. But in the last few races already, we haven't really been fantastic. So that, I think in a sense, was already a bit alarming. But we know that we don't need to panic. We are just trying to improve the situation. And that's what we are working on. But F1 is very complicated," ventured the Dutch ace.

For a driver used to near-monotonous winning in recent seasons, Verstappen is now five GPs without a win this year after winning seven in the first half. But he is at ease with his fate: "That happens, right? I mean, I've had a lot of good years. Some people have never won a race in their career. You can also look at it like that.

"From my side, yes, we at the moment don't have the fastest car. We have some issues that we have to solve, and we are working on that. That's the only thing I can say about that - we're very focused on it. There are still a lot of races left and a lot of different kinds of tracks. This weekend was just not our best weekend," concluded Verstappen.

Maybe it's not panic stations yet at Red Bull as Verstappen says, but another Orange-wash or two and that will change. Bring on Monza!