F1 News
Time running out for Verstappen? 'If it doesn't work there, when will it?'
F1 TV commentator Alex Jacques thinks the pattern of the final part of the 2024 Formula 1 season will become clear at the United States Grand Prix. A number of teams, including Red Bull and McLaren, plan on bringing updates to the event in Austin.
Max Verstappen currently still has a 52-point lead over Lando Norris. With six Grands Prix and three sprint races left Norris could win every race and not become champion. However, Red Bull struggled for performance at various tracks in recent weeks while McLaren were regularly fighting for wins and pole positions.
How will the F1 season play out?
Verstappen and Sergio Perez are both keen for Red Bull to improve the balance of their car. Jacques, speaking on the Formula for Success podcast, believes this will be an integral part in the final six weekends. "I think Red Bull, if they can find an upgrade for Austin that gives Max a greater balance, then I think Max will be back into contention [for wins]. I think he's been in damage limitation mode and really impressively in damage limitation mode. Races like Silverstone and last time out at Singapore, really strong to find himself turning what could have been a fifth or a sixth into a second place," he said.
"It's almost like a bellwether, it's almost a litmus test. If Red Bull can't unlock the potential of the car for Austin, where is it going to happen? They've got this lead. I think they'll be desperate for a better balance and if they get that then I think we'll see Max fighting for wins again and game on for the title to the end of the year."
Will Verstappen imitate Button?
In 2009, Jenson Button started the season in fine form with Brawn. The British driver did not win a race after the seventh round in the Formula 1 season as others, including Red Bull, improved drastically. Still, Button was able to hold on to win the title. Jacques is able to draw comparisons to the 2009 season. In 2024, Verstappen hasn't won a race since June.
"He's going to have to try and do what Jenson Button [did in 2009]. Just slippery feet, carrying the vase across the line where you don't have the car, but as long as you can tick off the races and not lose too many points, you've got a chance," he concluded.
This article has been created in collaboration with Cas van de Kluet