A seemingly casual remark from a Sky Sports F1 pundit has stirred controversy, as Max Verstappen becomes the focus of criticism amid Red Bull’s recent dip in form – raising uncomfortable questions about whether the team’s golden era is truly over or if worse is yet to come.

Sky Sports F1 pundit Ted Kravitz has bemoaned Red Bull’s fate at the Austrian Grand Prix, after Max Verstappen retired on lap one and Yuki Tsunoda finished last.

Verstappen was unable to challenge Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the win in Austria after he was hit by Kimi Antonelli on the opening lap, where the youngster locked-up his Mercedes when he headed into Turn 3.

The collision caused a safety car and Verstappen’s first DNF since the 2024 Australian GP, leaving Red Bull with only Tsunoda out on track to collect points for the team.

However, the Japanese driver finished last of the remaining 16 runners, after he was given a 10-second time penalty and two penalty points for a clash with Franco Colapinto.

Speaking on Sky’s commentary, Kravitz aimed a jibe at Red Bull’s second seat nightmare, and stated that, without Verstappen, the team suffered at the Austrian GP.

“Oh my goodness, what a day for Red Bull,” he said.

“This is what happens when Max Verstappen goes out on lap one, you’re left with one car, it’s Yuki Tsunoda, he’s fighting Franco Colapinto in an Alpine and he loses his front wing and rejoins more or less last!

“This is how dependent they’ve become on Max Verstappen.”

Red Bull’s second seat problem bites back at Austrian GP

Tsunoda penalised at Austrian GP
The driver in the second Red Bull seat alongside Verstappen has struggled over the past year, not only to match the champion, but to score consistently in the points.

Sergio Perez was axed at the end of 2024 for contributing to Red Bull’s drop in the constructors’ championship, whilst his replacement Liam Lawson was demoted after just two grands prix with the team.

However, Tsunoda has not scored a point since Imola, despite being a consistent driver at Racing Bulls, and has been usurped by Lawson in the drivers’ championship following Sunday’s grand prix in Austria.

Meanwhile, Red Bull occupy a concerning fourth place spot in the constructors’ championship, as a huge 47 point deficit separates them from Mercedes.

If Red Bull finish the season in fourth, it will be their worst result in the constructors’ championship since 2015, and if they drop even further it could be their worst season since 2008 – when Red Bull were yet to win a world title of any kind.

Related Posts

Victoria Beckham opens up about her family’s private struggles with Brooklyn – and the one moment that changed everything.

Spice Girl and fashion designer Victoria Beckham issued a bittersweet comment about family as she deals with the ongoing fallout with her eldest son Brooklyn and wife…

On His Daughter’s Milestone 18th, Peter Andre Shares an Emotional Message—But One Unexpected Line Leaves Fans Worried

Peter Andre tells daughter Princess to be ‘careful in this crazy world’ as he pays tribute to her to mark her milestone 18th birthday with heartfelt Instagram…

The unexpected transformation of Prince Louis has deeply affected Kate Middleton and Prince William, leaving them in tears. What could have caused such a powerful emotional reaction from the royal couple? Discover the hidden story behind this surprising change that has stunned the entire British royal family and captivated the public’s attention.

Prince Louis’s Transformation: From Playful Royal to Poised Heir – What It Means for the Modern Monarchy In an age when the lives of royals are under…

How a heartfelt promise from Princes William and Harry to Princess Diana is now being questioned — uncover the untold story behind the broken pledge.

A royal rift has pushed the brothers apart… Princess Diana reportedly once made her sons Prince William and Harry agree to a promise that they have seemed to have…

Matt Baker and Wife Nicola Reveal What Kept Them Together During Their Time Apart – A Story of Hope and Strength

They’ve found their ‘way through’ Countryfile presenter Matt Baker and his wife of two decades, Nicola, have addressed what it’s like to spend so much time apart as a…

Princess Anne breaks her silence at 74: The King’s final wish exposed — How William and Harry reacted might surprise you.

The Final Wish of King Charles: A New Vision for the British Monarchy The British monarchy has always been an institution steeped in tradition, protocol, and an…