“I will happily let anyone else drive my car” - Max Verstappen invites critics to drive the RB19 and test latest track limits regulations

Three-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen has given his take on track limit violations, which have been in the headlines on multiple weekends this season.

The Red Bull driver said it was difficult for drivers to monitor track limits at certain tracks. Verstappen claimed he was happy to lend his RB19 to critics to lead by example.

Speaking at the press conference prior to the United States GP, Verstappen stated:

“I will happily let anyone else drive my car, see if they can do better with track limits. Some tracks, yeah, just a lot of runoff, so naturally you are a bit… you find probably the limits a bit easier because we never really talk about track limits, for example, in Suzuka and that’s probably a bit more of an old-school track.”

Track limits have been a big topic of discussion ever since the white line was set as the standard limit across all tracks. Drivers including Max Verstappen have argued that they no longer push to the limit because they are worried about overstepping the line and losing their lap time.

“The latest kind of track standards, they have a thing to do with it and it’s a bit of a shame," Verstappen said. "I feel like with some of these new tracks that you’re more focused on a qualy lap to not go over a white line than actually finding the limit or just the pure enjoyment of pushing. It’s more like you’re looking at: ‘did I make it or not?’ Oh, yeah, I made it’.”

The Dutchman believes drivers are not to blame for the recurring issue, and wants the FIA to find a compromise. He also expects many deleted lap times in this weekend's event at COTA, Texas.

“It’s a bit odd. We need to do a better job because I think this weekend will be the same story.”

---

Max Verstappen addresses rumors concerning power struggle at Red Bull

Rumors concerning tension between Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko have taken over the internet, with many speculating that the latter would leave the team.

Christian Horner, Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (L-R)

Ahead of the United States GP, Max Verstappen has cleared the air, firmly stating that there will be no change in the hierarchy of the Austrian team. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Verstappen was quoted as saying:

"That's why they are not leaving. Everyone is staying in exactly the same role. That has never really been a discussion."

"It's very important when you are doing well, and the team are doing very well, that you keep those people that are very important to the success of the team. Everyone knows that."

Max Verstappen added that there have not been discussions about changing roles as the current power structure at Red Bull has helped them achieve unprecedented success.