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Verstappen threatens Silverstone withdrawal over Red Bull top-speed woes

Sky Sports Champions League •
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Max Verstappen delivered a stark warning ahead of Sunday's British Grand Prix, telling Sky Sports F1 there is 'no point competing' if Red Bull cannot resolve the top-speed deficit that left him seventh on the Silverstone grid. The four-time champion's frustration boiled over after struggling to match his teammate's pace in qualifying.

Verstappen specifically cited car balance issues and a persistent lack of straight-line speed that plagued him throughout Saturday's sessions. He explained that the top-speed shortage caused energy deployment problems, leaving him powerless in the final sector. Teammate Isack Hadjar outpaced him by more than a tenth of a second, claiming fifth position while Verstappen languished in the midfield.

The setback contrasts sharply with Red Bull's apparent progress following major upgrades that delivered Verstappen's best result of the season - second place - at the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend. However, Verstappen dismissed suggestions the problem was Silverstone-specific, instead pointing to rival teams' development as a factor.

Verstappen's outburst comes amid mounting speculation about his future, with reports of recent talks between his camp and McLaren. His comments reveal growing concern about Red Bull's ability to challenge for victories, casting doubt on whether the team can close the gap to leaders Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.