Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar let rip at Red Bull after Formula 1's United States Grand Prix for a series of avoidable problems that left them unable to fully capitalise on the potential of their car.
๐ The Core Development
Things went wrong at the start as Verstappen and Hadjar in particular made poor getaways from second and third on the grid.
The pair were then hampered throughout the race by radio problems that made communication with the pitwall difficult, while Verstappen was annoyed about the choice of a two-stop strategy that left the door open for the one-stopping Kimi Antonelli to take a dominant win.
๐ Background & Sector Context
Despite a radio message from team principal Laurent Mekies immediately after the chequered flag confessing the team had "a few things to tidy up", it was clear that frustrations were high in the cockpit.
In a bleak post-race radio message after taking the chequered flag in third, Verstappen said: "Terrible: the pace, the wrong tyre, sh** pitstop, sh** engine braking. Nothing worked."
๐ Industry & Real-World Impact
Speaking to Viaplay after the race about whether he agreed on the strategy call in committing to softs for the second stint when the harder compounds appeared to be in play, Verstappen said: "No, it wasn't agreed upon. That's why I don't get it. Then everyone would know we're doing a two-stop."
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๐ฎ Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead
Later on, referencing struggles with balance and engine braking that were not helped by the ongoing radio problems, Verstappen sarcastically told the media: "Maybe we just start communicating in sign language. It's probably cheaper as well.
Hadjar was even angrier, as he suggested that Red Bull needed a new clutch design because of the repeated weak starts.
