{"id":2032140,"date":"2026-07-07T13:50:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T10:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2032140"},"modified":"2026-07-07T13:50:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T10:50:00","slug":"red-bull-boss-defends-decision-to-ignore-max-verstappens-british-gp-demand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2032140","title":{"rendered":"Red Bull boss defends decision to ignore Max Verstappen&#8217;s British GP demand"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Red Bull boss defends decision to ignore Max Verstappen&#8217;s British GP demand<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Max Verstappen wanted to start Sunday&#8217;s British Grand Prix from the pit lane in order to make significant setup changes, but his request was ignored<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Adam Cooper <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:24:00+00:00\">Updated: 07 Jul 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Verstappen at Silverstone<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Red Bull\u00a0team principal Laurent Mekies has defended the team\u2019s decision not to agree with Max Verstappen\u2019s desire to drop out of parc ferme for a pitlane start at Silverstone.<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen was frustrated by power unit and handling issues throughout the British GP weekend.<\/p>\n<p>Despite qualifying seventh, he was so pessimistic about his prospects for the race that he wanted to change both the PU and the setup and sacrifice 15 places by taking a punt on starting from the pitlane.<\/p>\n<p>The team&#8217;s decision was not to follow that path, and instead keep his grid spot with an unchanged package. After spinning out of P3 due to a wing issue, Verstappen reiterated his pre-race preference.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s just painful, frustrating,\u201d he said. \u201cYou&#8217;re trying everything you can. The whole weekend, I&#8217;m not happy with the car balance, I&#8217;m down on top speed on my side of the garage. Same again today in the race.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Verstappen revealed that Red Bull had ignored his requests<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cIf it was up to me, I would have started from the pit lane, but at the moment I&#8217;m honestly just looking forward to go home and not think about F1.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-a855833a4a83f4c40aeda08f5b455eef6328c19b05e18c9c6b578d35e8df166a\">  Max Verstappen can now trigger F1 Red Bull exit clause following British Grand Prix crash   Jos Verstappen dubs Martin Brundle an &#8216;idiot&#8217; over Red Bull F1 comments <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Mekies stressed that had Verstappen started from the back of the field even with a significantly better package he would not have reached the same position that he ultimately did before retiring.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter qualifying, it was clear we were not very happy with the balance of the car, to say the least,\u201d said Mekies. \u201cAnd changing the set-up of the car will simply mean starting from the pit lane.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd whilst we knew it wasn&#8217;t going to be pleasant to go with a very imperfect balance into the race, we still felt that it will give us a better result than starting from the pit lane, with perhaps something better.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-4262fece824b10679a1965f24824569a2be68426f07b5078562367abe170dd68\">  Why Max Verstappen didn&#8217;t speak to Christian Horner at the British Grand Prix   Silverstone F1 anti-climax highlights glaring Abu Dhabi 2021 injustice <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cNow, it&#8217;s something we have discussed with Max, and I completely accept that he may have a different feeling, and he&#8217;s driving the car. So that&#8217;s what it is. But in the end of the day, there were important learnings today.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Mekies has defended his actions<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cTo his point, the car probably felt similar to what he had yesterday, so we hit the limitations that we knew we had yesterday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m not completely sure that we could have been P3 on the road before the failure happened if we had started from the pitlane.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mekies also addressed the fact that Isack Hadjar has not been as vocal about the RB22\u2019s shortcomings as his more experienced team mate.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cAt first, Max is unhappy with the car balance, that&#8217;s a fact,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat it means is that he feels that the underlying performance of the car could bring into much better results if we are managing to solve the balance limitations we are having.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think Isack reads the same balance limitation, a similar balance limitation, so we are not in a situation where one driver says A, and the other drivers say B. They are describing the same thing, but they are describing it in a different way.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Verstappen&#8217;s Red Bull will be investigated for a fault<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cI think Max is projecting what he feels the potential of the car will be, whilst Isack, being a bit more new to the game, probably doesn&#8217;t elaborate into that so much.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked about the switch in form between Austria and Silverstone he said: \u201cIt&#8217;s a good representation of the complexity of where we are with the car. Now, a week ago, we are fighting for the win, and pretty much a few days later, here in Silverstone, we were hitting some pretty strong limitations that stopped us from extracting everything we could out of our package.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cYes, we think it&#8217;s compounding with a track like Silverstone, when there is an energy starving, we seem to be struggling more. So on tracks where energy limitations are strong, we seem to be struggling more compared to competition. And in that respect in I&#8217;m afraid Spa is probably in that category as well.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Red Bull<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Max Verstappen<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Martin Brundle suggests how F1 can avoid damp squib Silverstone safety car repeat<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424027_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424027_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424027_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424027_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424027_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424027_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424027_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424027_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424027_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Ferrari to gain advantage from maiden Madrid F1 filming day this week<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422517_hires_0.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422517_hires_0.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422517_hires_0.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422517_hires_0.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422517_hires_0.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422517_hires_0.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422517_hires_0.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422517_hires_0.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422517_hires_0.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-7c0ca0f95181c9385a9282cc149d725820abfd7610d7b3fa00d376fa9531a0fb\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/ac-2.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/ac-2.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/ac-2.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Adam Cooper<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Journalist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Adam Cooper attended his first F1 race at Brands Hatch as a 10-year-old fan in 1976. He became a freelance journalist for Autosport magazine in 1985 while still at university, initially covering everything from club racing to the FIA World Sportscar Championship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-2f1b8188fab0e27cb5757104b42f8b199ed17700339af6064b1f97a08f644544\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Red Bull to investigate &#8220;super dangerous&#8221; wing issue that led to Max Verstappen crash<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783278000\"> 05\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen&apos;s Red Bull will be investigated for a fault\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Max Verstappen slams &#8220;super-dangerous&#8221; Red Bull wing after &#8220;lucky&#8221; Silverstone escape<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783274400\"> 05\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires_0.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Max Verstappen at the 2026 British Grand Prix\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Horner returns to F1 paddock for first time since Red Bull sacking <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783250424\"> 05\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423849_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Horner was sacked last July by Red Bull\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8216;No point racing like this&#8217; Max Verstappen offers blunt verdict on Red Bull&#8217;s Silverstone struggles<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783185540\"> 04\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422298_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen was frustrated after a tough qualifying\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Kimi Antonelli storms to Silverstone pole as Ferrari pace falters<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783182007\"> 04\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423591_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli scored his fifth pole of 2026 \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Antonelli denies Hamilton home win in Silverstone F1 sprint<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783164992\"> 04\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423270_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli won Saturday&apos;s 17-lap sprint race \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>Latest News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-174e544603e88b86c313314995ea2229dcc967f05559ca39a65d158f037be4f3\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Mercedes explain Kimi Antonelli&#8217;s British GP race-ruining failure<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783437720\"> 1h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423835_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423835_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423835_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ferrari to gain advantage from maiden Madrid F1 filming day this week<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783433786\"> 2h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422517_hires_0.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422517_hires_0.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422517_hires_0.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Red Bull boss defends decision to ignore Max Verstappen&#8217;s British GP demand<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783432200\"> 2h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Martin Brundle suggests how F1 can avoid damp squib Silverstone safety car repeat<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783428420\"> 3h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424027_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424027_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424027_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8216;No talent needed&#8217; &#8211; Fernando Alonso&#8217;s verdict on British GP sparks debate<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783423560\"> 4h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424241_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424241_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424241_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>More News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-1b82f9f3f5d52a0b3bdd7704ad1c0033c5f101bad794e7e936c5fbf6bb1b99f5\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8216;Huge&#8217; F1 announcement tease revealed to be Scott Dixon&#8217;s McLaren IndyCar move<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783418400\"> 6h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/scott-dixon-miller-lite-carb-day-by-joe-skibinski_large-image-without-watermark_m154965.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/scott-dixon-miller-lite-carb-day-by-joe-skibinski_large-image-without-watermark_m154965.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/scott-dixon-miller-lite-carb-day-by-joe-skibinski_large-image-without-watermark_m154965.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Max Verstappen can now trigger F1 Red Bull exit clause following British Grand Prix crash<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783415760\"> 7h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422103_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422103_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422103_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>McLaren F1 boss casts remarkable Silverstone verdict after podium near-miss<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783412580\"> 8h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424494_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424494_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424494_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why Silverstone Lego madness shows F1 drivers must ditch tradition and embrace the now<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783407600\"> 9h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424021_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424021_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424021_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Norris wanted to replicate Schumacher\u2019s controversial British GP win<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783349760\"> 06\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423338_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423338_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423338_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Max Verstappen wanted to start Sunday&#8217;s British Grand Prix from the pit lane in order to make significant setup changes, but his request was ignored<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Red Bull\u00a0team principal Laurent Mekies has defended the team\u2019s decision not to agree with Max Verstappen\u2019s desire to drop out of parc ferme for a pitlane start at Silverstone.<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen was frustrated by power unit and handling issues throughout the British GP weekend.<\/p>\n<p>Despite qualifying seventh, he was so pessimistic about his prospects for the race that he wanted to change both the PU and the setup and sacrifice 15 places by taking a punt on starting from the pitlane.<\/p>\n<p>The team&#8217;s decision was not to follow that path, and instead keep his grid spot with an unchanged package. After spinning out of P3 due to a wing issue, Verstappen reiterated his pre-race preference.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s just painful, frustrating,\u201d he said. \u201cYou&#8217;re trying everything you can. The whole weekend, I&#8217;m not happy with the car balance, I&#8217;m down on top speed on my side of the garage. Same again today in the race.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Verstappen revealed that Red Bull had ignored his requests<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cIf it was up to me, I would have started from the pit lane, but at the moment I&#8217;m honestly just looking forward to go home and not think about F1.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-a855833a4a83f4c40aeda08f5b455eef6328c19b05e18c9c6b578d35e8df166a\">  Max Verstappen can now trigger F1 Red Bull exit clause following British Grand Prix crash   Jos Verstappen dubs Martin Brundle an &#8216;idiot&#8217; over Red Bull F1 comments <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Mekies stressed that had Verstappen started from the back of the field even with a significantly better package he would not have reached the same position that he ultimately did before retiring.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter qualifying, it was clear we were not very happy with the balance of the car, to say the least,\u201d said Mekies. \u201cAnd changing the set-up of the car will simply mean starting from the pit lane.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd whilst we knew it wasn&#8217;t going to be pleasant to go with a very imperfect balance into the race, we still felt that it will give us a better result than starting from the pit lane, with perhaps something better.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-4262fece824b10679a1965f24824569a2be68426f07b5078562367abe170dd68\">  Why Max Verstappen didn&#8217;t speak to Christian Horner at the British Grand Prix   Silverstone F1 anti-climax highlights glaring Abu Dhabi 2021 injustice <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cNow, it&#8217;s something we have discussed with Max, and I completely accept that he may have a different feeling, and he&#8217;s driving the car. So that&#8217;s what it is. But in the end of the day, there were important learnings today.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Mekies has defended his actions<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cTo his point, the car probably felt similar to what he had yesterday, so we hit the limitations that we knew we had yesterday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m not completely sure that we could have been P3 on the road before the failure happened if we had started from the pitlane.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mekies also addressed the fact that Isack Hadjar has not been as vocal about the RB22\u2019s shortcomings as his more experienced team mate.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cAt first, Max is unhappy with the car balance, that&#8217;s a fact,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat it means is that he feels that the underlying performance of the car could bring into much better results if we are managing to solve the balance limitations we are having.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think Isack reads the same balance limitation, a similar balance limitation, so we are not in a situation where one driver says A, and the other drivers say B. They are describing the same thing, but they are describing it in a different way.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Verstappen&#8217;s Red Bull will be investigated for a fault<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cI think Max is projecting what he feels the potential of the car will be, whilst Isack, being a bit more new to the game, probably doesn&#8217;t elaborate into that so much.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked about the switch in form between Austria and Silverstone he said: \u201cIt&#8217;s a good representation of the complexity of where we are with the car. Now, a week ago, we are fighting for the win, and pretty much a few days later, here in Silverstone, we were hitting some pretty strong limitations that stopped us from extracting everything we could out of our package.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cYes, we think it&#8217;s compounding with a track like Silverstone, when there is an energy starving, we seem to be struggling more. So on tracks where energy limitations are strong, we seem to be struggling more compared to competition. And in that respect in I&#8217;m afraid Spa is probably in that category as well.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Red Bull\u00a0team principal Laurent Mekies has defended the team\u2019s decision not to agree with Max Verstappen\u2019s desire to drop out of parc ferme for a pitlane start at Silverstone.<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen was frustrated by power unit and handling issues throughout the British GP weekend.<\/p>\n<p>Despite qualifying seventh, he was so pessimistic about his prospects for the race that he wanted to change both the PU and the setup and sacrifice 15 places by taking a punt on starting from the pitlane.<\/p>\n<p>The team&#8217;s decision was not to follow that path, and instead keep his grid spot with an unchanged package. After spinning out of P3 due to a wing issue, Verstappen reiterated his pre-race preference.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s just painful, frustrating,\u201d he said. \u201cYou&#8217;re trying everything you can. The whole weekend, I&#8217;m not happy with the car balance, I&#8217;m down on top speed on my side of the garage. Same again today in the race.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422660_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Verstappen revealed that Red Bull had ignored his requests<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cIf it was up to me, I would have started from the pit lane, but at the moment I&#8217;m honestly just looking forward to go home and not think about F1.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-a855833a4a83f4c40aeda08f5b455eef6328c19b05e18c9c6b578d35e8df166a\">  Max Verstappen can now trigger F1 Red Bull exit clause following British Grand Prix crash   Jos Verstappen dubs Martin Brundle an &#8216;idiot&#8217; over Red Bull F1 comments <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Mekies stressed that had Verstappen started from the back of the field even with a significantly better package he would not have reached the same position that he ultimately did before retiring.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter qualifying, it was clear we were not very happy with the balance of the car, to say the least,\u201d said Mekies. \u201cAnd changing the set-up of the car will simply mean starting from the pit lane.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd whilst we knew it wasn&#8217;t going to be pleasant to go with a very imperfect balance into the race, we still felt that it will give us a better result than starting from the pit lane, with perhaps something better.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-4262fece824b10679a1965f24824569a2be68426f07b5078562367abe170dd68\">  Why Max Verstappen didn&#8217;t speak to Christian Horner at the British Grand Prix   Silverstone F1 anti-climax highlights glaring Abu Dhabi 2021 injustice <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cNow, it&#8217;s something we have discussed with Max, and I completely accept that he may have a different feeling, and he&#8217;s driving the car. So that&#8217;s what it is. But in the end of the day, there were important learnings today.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419664_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Mekies has defended his actions<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cTo his point, the car probably felt similar to what he had yesterday, so we hit the limitations that we knew we had yesterday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m not completely sure that we could have been P3 on the road before the failure happened if we had started from the pitlane.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mekies also addressed the fact that Isack Hadjar has not been as vocal about the RB22\u2019s shortcomings as his more experienced team mate.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cAt first, Max is unhappy with the car balance, that&#8217;s a fact,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat it means is that he feels that the underlying performance of the car could bring into much better results if we are managing to solve the balance limitations we are having.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think Isack reads the same balance limitation, a similar balance limitation, so we are not in a situation where one driver says A, and the other drivers say B. They are describing the same thing, but they are describing it in a different way.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Verstappen&#8217;s Red Bull will be investigated for a fault<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cI think Max is projecting what he feels the potential of the car will be, whilst Isack, being a bit more new to the game, probably doesn&#8217;t elaborate into that so much.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked about the switch in form between Austria and Silverstone he said: \u201cIt&#8217;s a good representation of the complexity of where we are with the car. Now, a week ago, we are fighting for the win, and pretty much a few days later, here in Silverstone, we were hitting some pretty strong limitations that stopped us from extracting everything we could out of our package.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cYes, we think it&#8217;s compounding with a track like Silverstone, when there is an energy starving, we seem to be struggling more. So on tracks where energy limitations are strong, we seem to be struggling more compared to competition. And in that respect in I&#8217;m afraid Spa is probably in that category as well.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1100406\/1\/red-bull-boss-defends-decision-ignore-max-verstappens-british-gp-demand&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422096_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Red Bull boss defends decision to ignore Max Verstappen&#8217;s British GP demand Max Verstappen wanted to start Sunday&#8217;s British Grand Prix from the pit lane in order to make significant setup changes, but his request was ignored Adam Cooper Updated: 07 Jul 2026 Share Verstappen at Silverstone \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images Add as a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-2032140","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2032140","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2032140"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2032140\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2032140"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2032140"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2032140"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}