Max Verstappen has said that he fears Red Bull is at risk of falling further behind the front runners in Formula 1.
Verstappen is worried about the absence of forthcoming development on the RB13 this season. The lack of power from the TAG Heuer-badged Renault unit is a particular concern.
"Right now, as you may have read, there will be nothing more [in 2017]," Verstappen told Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport Totaal. "Updates were promised but there have been few."
He pointed out that this would have a knock-on effect on the team's prospects next year.
"I'm worried, also for the direction for next year," he explained. "The regulations are not changing much [for 2018], so the more the team learns this year, the better it is for next year."
Verstappen retired from the Canadian Grand Prix with engine issues. He was frustrated and outspoken in post-race interviews, saying this season had been "completely crap" so far.
"We wanted to go for the world title this year, but we are far from it," the 19-year-old said later after calming down.
"I want to win and I absolutely think this team can. You can see we have improved the car a lot. But the power is yet to come."
"It is what it is and I can't influence the situation," he sighed.
"You can get upset, angry, but it doesn't solve anything. It's better to be optimistic and try to make the most of the situation."
Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull for next season, and continues to have the backing of team boss Christian Horner.
"He knows how hard the team is pushing to make the car better. He'll see the big picture," Horner said.
He pointed out that Daniel Ricciardo's success in finishing in third place in Montreal showed the team was still in contention.
"We were racing against a Mercedes and we beat Ferrari. Max hasn't had the results, but it's still a long season. His time will come."
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