Mika Hakkinen sends Max Verstappen warning over persisting reliability issues

Mika Hakkinen has warned Max Verstappen that he cannot afford further reliability issues, especially with Charles Leclerc starting the season so well.

The world champion has been hampered severely in his bid to defend his title at the start of this season, with the RB18 clearly a quick car but also one that has had a fair share of reliability issues already.

Indeed, Max has retired from two of the three races so far this season, and finds himself a full 46 points off of Leclerc, who has streaked away at the top of the standings.

And, writing for Unibet, Hakkinen has said that Verstappen cannot afford such reliability issues as he looks to become a two-time world champion.

“There is so much to take away from this race.

“Charles Leclerc was in complete control and said afterwards that the car felt really strong, using its tyres well and giving him a really consistent performance. That’s what any top driver wants – a car that’s quick from the start to finish and responding to all your inputs.

“What’s important is that Charles has taken two wins and a second place from these first three Grands Prix, while Max Verstappen has had one win and two non-finishes. At this level you cannot afford to have constant technical failures. Max will not be happy.”

Leclerc looked as though he would have won the race on Sunday in Australia even if Verstappen had finished but, even so, Max will know if you can’t win you need to still be scoring points.

He’s lost out on two likely second place finishes this season now, and will hope that his car is perfect for the rest of the season.