Former Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost has a foreboding message for Red Bull and other top teams. If the Austrian racing team cannot turn the tide after the Spanish Grand Prix, when the screws are tightened regarding the rules around flexi-wings, then McLaren will take the titles. ‘Even an exceptional driver like Max Verstappen can’t do anything about it,’ says the Austrian.
No team could resist the two McLarens in Miami. Oscar Piastri overtook pole sitter Max Verstappen in lap 14, while Lando Norris, who had a slightly harder time with the four-time world champion, overtook the Dutchman four laps later. The two McLaren drivers then crossed the finish line almost forty seconds ahead of the rest of the field.
Red Bull, of course, also saw the dominance of the British team in the Sunshine State, and is therefore now working hard on upgrades for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The new parts, along with stricter rules for flexible wings, effective from the Spanish Grand Prix, should help the Austrian team turn the tide. Otherwise, warns former Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost, the title fight is over.”Red Bull’s attempt has to be really good, and the same goes for Ferrari and Mercedes,” Tost tells F1-Insider. “Otherwise, the championship is over and McLaren will continue to dominate the rest of the season. Even an exceptional driver like Max Verstappen can’t do anything about it.” The Dutchman is currently 32 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, more than the number of points that can be earned for winning a race.
Sabbatical for Verstappen?
The setback of Red Bull has once again fueled rumors that Max Verstappen might leave the racing stable. However, Tost sees the world champion taking a sabbatical rather than immediately switching to Mercedes or Aston Martin. “I could imagine Max taking a year off first, seeing who has technically implemented the new rules and engines the best, and then returning,” explains Tost. “One thing is certain: everyone wants Max on the team if possible. Firstly, because he significantly improves any team, and secondly, to prevent someone else from attracting him.”
