Damon Hill, the 1996 Formula 1 World Champion, described Max Verstappen’s Belgian GP performance as “very disappointing” despite significant upgrades to Red Bull’s car. Speaking after the race at Spa-Francorchamps, Hill acknowledged Verstappen’s race result did not meet expectations, considering Red Bull’s recent technical improvements and Verstappen’s strong history at the circuit. The discussion unfolded following comments from F1 commentator Harry Benjamin, who remarked that more was expected from Verstappen in the race.
Red Bull’s upgrades and Verstappen’s race strategy
Red Bull brought considerable aerodynamic upgrades to their RB21 at the Belgian Grand Prix, building on a new floor component introduced in Austria. These changes appeared successful early on, as Verstappen won the Sprint race, fending off McLaren’s challengers. However, in qualifying, McLaren secured a dominant one-two, while Verstappen took fourth, choosing a car setup optimized for the anticipated wet conditions.
When the race day arrived, it was delayed for 80 minutes due to rain, and by the time the racing started, the track had dried enough for all drivers to switch to dry tyres after just eight laps. This shift neutralized the advantage Verstappen had hoped to gain from his wet-weather setup, leading him to finish in the same position he started—fourth. The race ended with two McLarens on the podium, joined by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who managed to hold off Verstappen’s advances throughout the event.
Charles Leclerc’s strong defense praised by Hill
Hill highlighted Leclerc’s impressive performance, emphasizing his ability to hold Verstappen behind despite Red Bull’s improvements. On the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast, Hill remarked,
“Charles couldn’t fight the [McLarens], he could keep ahead of the Red Bull though,”
—Damon Hill, 1996 World Champion
“That’s a Red Bull with upgrades as well, with Max Verstappen driving at Spa. You really would put money on Max getting past him, wouldn’t you? So, he’d done a fantastic job there in the Ferrari. He’s able to use that car to keep himself ahead of Max.”
—Damon Hill, 1996 World Champion
Hill’s comments underline how Leclerc managed to suppress Verstappen’s attempts to overtake, a feat especially notable given the strength of Red Bull’s car after the latest developments.
Expectations versus reality for Verstappen at Spa
Harry Benjamin pointed out that Verstappen’s performance was underwhelming, especially considering his past success at Spa-Francorchamps, where he has claimed three wins, including an impressive victory from 14th on the grid in 2022. This raised questions about the effectiveness of Red Bull’s upgrades and Verstappen’s strategy in the Belgian GP, where a better outcome was anticipated.
What Verstappen’s result means going forward
Finishing fourth at Spa, Verstappen missed an opportunity to extend his dominance on a track that has often favored his driving style. While the upgrades to the RB21 demonstrated potential in the Sprint race, the main Grand Prix did not provide the platform for Verstappen to capitalize on them fully. This result may prompt Red Bull and Verstappen to reconsider their approach for future races, particularly regarding setup choices and adaptability in changing weather conditions.
With key competitors like McLaren demonstrating strong pace and Ferrari showing resilience through Leclerc, Verstappen’s Belgian GP performance sets a more cautious tone for Red Bull as the championship progresses. The team will need to focus on maximizing its car’s strengths while addressing any weaknesses that prevented Verstappen from advancing during the race.
