Max Verstappen feels home pressure as chasing pack shows its teeth

The Dutchman has not won since Barcelona in June and Red Bull know they are in a title fight as McLaren and Mercedes begin to find consistency

After the opening rounds of the 2024 Formula One season there was an almost leaden reception to the fare on track. Max Verstappen was laying waste to the opposition having dominated for the past two years. That the sport now returns from its summer break reinvigorated and presenting a potentially fearsome competition in the remaining 10 races is as welcome as it was unexpected.

The Dutchman, who will compete in his 200th race at his home meeting at Zandvoort this weekend, won four of the opening five meetings for Red Bull. That run’s only blemish was a brake issue that cost him a probable win in Australia. In the fourth round in Japan, he cantered round Suzuka taking the flag 20 seconds up on the nearest challenger not driving a Red Bull, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. It was ominous and – for all but the 26-year-old’s most ardent fans – dispiriting after he had crushed the field in 2022 and 2023.

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