Max Verstappen is in no doubt that Rob Marshall’s departure from Red Bull to McLaren has had a part in the teams’ contrasting fortunes in Formula 1 since the move.
The Miami Grand Prix next weekend will mark 12 months since McLaren brought an upgrade package that propelled the team into being renowned as the benchmark.
McLaren has since capitalised to claim the Constructors’ Championship in 2024, while four victories in five races this season have it on course to scoop a title double.
The Woking-based squad’s top brass have commended Marshall’s contribution to the team’s renewed success since his arrival last term to head its technical division.
Even dating back to his Red Bull spell, Marshall has been considered an expert in flexible wings: a controversial topic that has led to complaints from McLaren’s rivals.
Verstappen is adamant that it is no accident that Marshall’s switch to McLaren has coincided with an upturn that has seen it eclipse Red Bull as the pacesetting team.
“Yeah, I do think he is making the difference there,” Verstappen said. “Once he joined you could see that clearly.”
Meanwhile, Red Bull has endured an inconsistent start with a capricious car that has undermined strong showings in Japan, where Verstappen won, and Saudi Arabia.
But while developments are in the pipeline to resolve the RB21’s quirks, Verstappen has warned Red Bull’s improvements will depend on the step the opposition takes.
“Right now, it’s not realistic to say we’ll make such a big jump,” Verstappen conceded.
“But we are trying to find as much lap time as possible. It’s just difficult to say how much we will improve exactly, and the others aren’t sitting still either.”
Verstappen’s solace in Red Bull struggles
Verstappen has salvaged solace that Red Bull has a handle on the balance limitations which derailed a dominant beginning to the previous campaign with the RB20.
“Now we at least know what our problems are,” he continued. “Until Monza last year, it was more that we didn’t know where to look or what to search for.
“That’s a bit clearer now, which gives us hope that we can bring updates to hopefully change the balance of the car.”
However, the Dutchman has admitted that he is more than aware that there is a marked chance that his consecutive championship streak will end at four this season.
“This isn’t where we want to be of course, but what can I do? I can scream and shout, but that won’t help,” he shrugged.
“Of course I want [a fifth title], but unfortunately you can’t always win everything.”
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