Max Verstappen threatens boycott after another difficult race at Italian Grand Prix - 'Stay at home'
Max Verstappen has threatened to 'stay at home' after Red Bull's woes continued at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday
REUTERS
Max Verstappen has threatened to 'stay at home' after Red Bull's woes continued at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday.
The 26-year-old cruised to F1 title glory last year but, in 2024, has found things far tougher - despite sitting at the top of the standings.
It was a difficult race for Red Bull at Monza on Sunday, with Verstappen only able to finish sixth. His team-mate, Sergio Perez, was forced to settle for eighth.
Charles Leclerc reigned supreme, with the Ferrari star winning his second Grand Prix of the season, while Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris also secured spots on the podium.
Max Verstappen has threatened to 'stay at home' after Red Bull's woes continued at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday
REUTERS
Verstappen has made it clear he's unhappy at Red Bull in recent weeks.
And the Dutchman has now sensationally suggested he's prepared to 'stay at home' and miss races if the team are unable to turn their tricky situation around.
"In the race my battery was relatively empty, while fighting Lando of course," he said.
"Then I had to go to a certain setting. at some point they have to tell me when I can go back to the quicker setting.
JUST IN: Gary Lineker says football has 'lost its mind' as Match of the Day host fumes over decision
"I ask: 'Can i go back?', 'Oh yeah, yeah you can'.
"Then I thought 'What is this? you guys have all the data the entire time, you guys can exactly see when I can make those steps'.
"I shouldn't have to ask when I can go back. We might be in nobody's land, but you still have to be on top of things.
"Otherwise, I can just stay home."
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton hits out at McLaren amid investigation into 'broken rules' after Italian Grand Prix
Red Bull chief Christian Horner was asked about Verstappen's furious comments following the race.
The Briton insisted he was impressed by the 26-year-old, despite his hopes of winning the F1 Drivers' Championship for the fourth year in a row hanging in the balance.
And Horner also backed Verstappen by saying the Red Bull driver was 'working hard' to help transform their fortunes.
"What's really impressed me with Max is how he's really engaged in this process," he said.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Max Verstappen could only finish sixth during Sunday's Italian Grand Prix
REUTERS
"He's not, he's not panicking. He's working with the engineers. He's explaining very clearly where the issues are. He's putting the time and effort in.
"He was in early this morning. He was on zoom calls last week and he'll be on the simulator before the next race. He's really working hard at this.
"And I think he's shown great maturity as a world champion. The way he's working with the engineering team.
"Nobody likes the situation we're in at the moment. Nobody's happy with it. We've got to work really hard to turn it around.
Max Verstappen has been defended by Christian Horner after the Italian Grand Prix
REUTERS
"But the one thing this team has is strength and depth and tact. And we'll come back."
The next Grand Prix is set to take place in Azerbaijan on September 15 (12pm).