Verstappen "a timebomb" ready to explode at Red Bull

Max Verstappen has been hailed a much calmer character than in the past although a warning has been issued that he is currently "a timebomb" ready to go off.

The verdict comes from advisor Helmut Marko who chatted through Red Bull's early-season problems with Verstappen following the reigning champion's second DNF of his title defence in Australia recently.

Verstappen was a naturally unhappy figure after being ordered to stop at short notice while running second to eventual winner and current championship leader Charles Leclerc before his RB18 caught fire.

After also retiring in the season-opening race in Bahrain, the Dutch driver labelled the circumstances as "unacceptable".

Speaking in an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF, Marko has declared the 24-year-old to be "a lot calmer".

Marko added: "After his retirement [in Australia] he returned to the garage and we discussed things calmly.

"In this instance, we knew we could run into that problem because we also had to deal with it in qualifying, so it didn't come out of the blue in that respect.

"He is an emotional and passionate driver who will always give his opinion. But, in my opinion, he is a lot calmer, calmer than in the past."

Verstappen just waiting to go off

Verstappen goes into this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola staring at a 46-point cushion in the drivers' standings which even at this early stage of the year is significant.

The two retirements have so far come either side of a victory in Saudi Arabia which shows if Red Bull can overcome its technical gremlins then it has a car to challenge.

An additional issue Marko has highlighted, however, is the fact Verstappen's "extreme driving style" is at present not at one with the nuances of the newly-styled RB18 following the overhaul of the aerodynamic regulations.

But Marko has conceded if the technical faults of the car are not corrected soon then the calm Verstappen might just explode.

"If we don't win again soon, then he is indeed a time bomb," said Marko.

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