Defending world champion Sebastian Vettel has told his Red Bull team it is 'time to think again' about why they are losing races after finishing second behind Jenson Button's McLaren in Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.
The 24-year-old German, who extended his runaway lead at the head of the drivers' standings despite the result, made it clear he is concerned about his team's drop-off in form after one win in five races.
He has now gone three without a win after winning five of the opening six this year.
But he retains an 83-points lead in the title race ahead of his Red Bull teammate Mark Webber.
Vettel said: "We tried to win, there had been a chance, but we didn't use it. We need to look into that. We've seen how quickly things can change so we need to win again. And I think it is fair to say that in the last couple of events Ferrari and McLaren, on race pace, have made a step forwards. We need to have a look at why. Maybe it is something they have done, yes.
Must improve and learn
"But we also need to have a look at ourselves. There is plenty of stuff to learn and things that we can improve without looking at the others. That has to be a target for the next race and for the second half of the season."
Must improve and learn
"But we also need to have a look at ourselves. There is plenty of stuff to learn and things that we can improve without looking at the others. That has to be a target for the next race and for the second half of the season."
We could have been smarter
"I felt the pace was in the car, especially after last week (in Germany). I think we made a good step forward and I felt much more comfortable, but I start the race to win and not to finish second or third. I think we could have been a bit smarter," he said.
"With so many races you have to be prepared and you shouldn't be surprised if you face some difficult races.
But the target for the next race is to attack completely and try to win again," Vettel added.