Max Verstappen says Red Bull-Honda has to improve the way his car gets off the line at the start of races.

The Dutchman says the start procedure hasn't changed in his four seasons with the team, but what has changed for 2019 is the success of his getaways.

"We are struggling this year to keep the wheelspin consistent," Verstappen told Ziggo Sport. "It's even different with every engine, so it's always a mystery if it will be ok or not. This year it's gone wrong quite a lot, so we know what we need to work on."

Verstappen has been remarkably uncritical of Honda this year, but he admits that the team's new engine partner is at the heart of the start-line trouble.

"We were the second best team on starts last year, and also the year before. So I really don't think we suddenly don't know how to do a good start. "But what we don't know now is how the engine will handle our input. We can try out a lot during testing and Honda is currently busy with that," he said. "They can see the things that need to be improved, but it takes time because it has to do with some characteristics of the engine."

Finally, Verstappen admitted it is possible he will take a grid penalty at Monza this weekend if Red Bull decides to run Honda's new Spec 4 engine.


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15 F1 Fan comments on “Verstappen: Honda must help solve poor race starts

  1. Pam

    Max please stop blaming Honda for YOUR poor starts! It is down to your driving skills Maxy Boy -, the day you start admitting that you are the issue you may get somewhere!

    Max needs to blame the world instead of Max for everything -if things dont go well but it's down to Mad Max if things go smoothly

    Grow a pair and stop being in denial! Also, stop crashing into others to try to overtake-learn some true driving skills!!!!

    Reply
  2. ok then

    3rd, 5th I'd say at certain tracks it's the 2nd fastest car. I just hope when Horner thinks about all those negative comments he made about Renault engines he'll remember they won 4 races last year and at this rate he won't win anymore with a Honda engine this year. Bear in mind 2018 had strong Mercedes AND Ferrari's this year only Mercedes are in top form!

    Reply
  3. Simon Saivil

    Max triggers hatred and dislike (against himself) as much, or more than, Lewis.
    The only difference being that all the comments against Max are tolerated and welcomed, whereas any criticism of Lewis is furiously attacked from all quarters.

    Reply
  4. Gerd

    let's see what Monza brings; starting from the back of the grid and with a new engine we should expect some interesting and hopefully spectacular driving from Max and also Alex.
    Alex Albon has definitely not disappointed in Spa and had my "driver-of-the-day" vote.

    Reply
  5. Simon Saivil

    Max, like Lewis, invites, and provokes, criticism and attacks from all quarters. The difference being that attacks on Max are welcomed and condoned, whereas any attack or criticism of Lewis is instantly counterattacked, and those that criticise Lewis are regarded with suspicion, often labeled as racists.

    Reply
  6. Pam

    Lewis has had to encounter racism from the time he started at age 7 with his dad and his tin pot homemade car BUT this has made him stronger - as he has said publically many times. However, he is still the most talented driver on the grid and as he says will always rise to the challenges he encounters on the road to success! What a great role model he is and should be SIR Lewis - soon I hope.

    NOW, Max on the other hand is petulant and just a bag of excuses when he makes mistakes.Although, he is quick on the track Max makes too many mistakes which he blames on others- eg drivers, team mates, the world and even Honda!!!

    My point is he will achieve greater things when he accepts his faults and uses them as a learning experience. Perhaps this maturity will come with age- if RB Horner and Marko at RB doesn't drop him in the next few years and when he stops bringing and listening to his dad - who is unhinged- to the races with him!

    By the way, I also think Charles Lec is the next real block for Max - epecially since he won't allow Max to run him off the track and call it hard driving EVER again!

    Reply
  7. Pam

    Simon says negative comments about Lewis are usually labelled racist. Well, this is true for Simon when he wants to criticise Lewis. I say this because Simon has a history of making comments about Lewis which are definately perceived as being racist on this site! For example,referring to Lewis as the BROWN ONE!

    So Simon, think about what you write before making comments about others postings.

    Reply
  8. Simon Saivil

    "...Simon has a history of making comments about Lewis which are definately perceived as being racist on this site! For example,referring to Lewis as the BROWN ONE!

    So Simon, think about what you write before making comments about others postings...."

    Would you mind posting a link to the post where I said that?

    Reply
    • Simon Saivil

      This is not the issue of me being reminded. This is an issue of you being called to task: substantiate your claim(s).

      Making unsubstantiated claims and accusation is punishable by law. You either produce evidence in support of you derogatory statement, or I shall ask the Webmaster to terminate your posting privilege.

      Reply

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