Verstappen ‘didn’t expect such rapid change’ in pace

World champion Max Verstappen remains at the top of the Formula 1 standings and is still the favorite for the world title this season.

However, after Red Bull’s strong start to the season, other teams—primarily McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari—have managed to secure victories, with McLaren and Mercedes demonstrating that they can outperform Red Bull on the track.

Max has secured 7 wins from 14 starts this season and holds a 78-point lead over Lando Norris (McLaren) in the battle for the title, but Red Bull’s lead in the constructors’ championship has shrunk to 42 points, giving McLaren a real chance at the constructors’ title.

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“I was aware that we would never have a season like last year’s again,” Max told F1 TV. “It is very rare to have two consecutive seasons like that, so I was prepared for this. But I didn’t expect such a rapid change in our performance compared to the other teams.”

Next F1 race will be at home for Verstappen and Zandvoort.