Verstappen says radio complaints are meant to keep Red Bull searching for speed

Max Verstappen says his recurring complaints over Red Bull's team radio are intended to keep the team searching for speed. After criticising the downshifts during Friday's opening practice at Interlagos, he acknowledged that such messages can sound like complaints.

“I'm never satisfied,” he said, explaining that he keeps trying to fine-tune the car and wants Red Bull to examine details that could produce more lap time. Verstappen finished the session third, just over two tenths behind fastest man Lando Norris.

The feel of downshifts matters beyond the gear change itself: it can unsettle the car, particularly at the rear under braking, affect a driver's confidence and potentially cost lap time.