Verstappen calls Red Bull radio failures “a disaster” after Austin frustration

Verstappen says repeated radio failures are disrupting Red Bull

Max Verstappen has described Red Bull’s recurring team-radio problems as “a disaster” after struggling to communicate with his engineer during the United States Grand Prix in Austin.

Verstappen, who finished third, said he was trying to report engine-braking trouble when he could not properly hear advice from the pit wall about changing his car’s mode. He said the problem had occurred more than twice this season and joked: “Maybe we should just start communicating in sign language. It’s probably cheaper as well.” He added: “It’s really frustrating, to be honest.”

The communications trouble echoed an incident at the Singapore Grand Prix two weeks earlier, when Verstappen and the team had to improvise how they relayed information. In Austin, he had been expected to challenge for victory but lacked the pace of race-winner Kimi Antonelli.

Both Red Bulls lose ground at the start

Verstappen and team-mate Isack Hadjar also voiced frustration over another poor launch. Verstappen was passed by Charles Leclerc on the opening lap, while Hadjar lost places to Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

“Just the same always at the start, the problem we have,” Verstappen said. Hadjar said he had followed the procedure but experienced clutch over-delivery and poor radio coverage. He said he left the pits with the wrong engine map and lost time on the hard tyres, adding: “The clutch. It’s too fragile. It’s not coping well with temperatures.”

Mekies says radio fix is a priority, but starts need longer-term work

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged the communication problem was “making everyone’s lives very difficult” and said the team wanted to resolve it quickly.

He described the start issue as more complex, involving several areas including the engine, gearbox and clutch. Mekies said Red Bull had narrowed the gap to rivals during the season but would not become the benchmark before it ends. Significant design and hardware changes, he said, would be needed, with the results expected next year.

Formula 1’s next stop is the Mexico City Grand Prix, the second race in the Americas triple-header.