Brundle sees Red Bull struggling: 'Even Verstappen couldn't save them'

12:00, 15 Apr

byKada Sarkozi

Not even Max Verstappen's qualities could save Red Bull Racing's weekend at the Bahrain International Circuit. According to Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle, it's time for a some serious conversations within Red Bull.

Brundle is clear: 'Even Verstappen couldn't save Red Bull'

Starting from P7 on the grid, after a difficult Sunday, the Dutchman eventually crossed the finish line in sixth, earning himself 8 points. Former F1 driver Martin Brundle also saw the difficulties the Austrian team have in Bahrain.

"Even Verstappen's talents couldn't save Red Bull from a torrid weekend. The car looked a handful to drive and he was often seen struggling to slow down and turn in from the key braking zones in all track sessions," Brundle begins in his column for Sky Sports.

The Dutchman reported issues with braking throughout the entire weekend in Sakhir, and was clearly not satisfied with the RB21.

Serious discussions needed at the Austrian team

The defending world champion has been trying for many laps to get past Pierre Gasly, but he could only complete the move just a few metres before the finish line.

"After following Pierre Gasly's Alpine for endless laps, in the closing stages he was able to sneak past on the last circuit and claim a distant sixth place, not helped by some lumpy pit stops with equipment issues", writes the former F1 driver.

Both drivers had technical issues during their pit stops. First, the lights did not turn green for the Dutchman (and the same happened minutes later during Yuki Tsunoda's stop), and later, the team had a slow stop because they had issues fitting the front right tyre properly.

On the other hand, at least for the first time this season, Verstappen's teammate scored points, as Tsunoda finished in P9.

"Tsunoda would score his first couple of Red Bull points in ninth but considering the team won the Japanese GP just seven days before, it's all rather confusing - probably for them too. There'll be some heavy conversations going on," Brundle concluded.

Serious discussions took place immediately after the Formula 1 race at the Bahrain International Circuit. An emergency meeting was held at Red Bull - although without Verstappen, who indicated at that moment no desire to talk to his team.

His manager, Raymond Vermeulen, was also seen having a heated discussion with top advisor Helmut Marko, after which he reportedly walked away angrily.

This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder