F1 fans have become habitual of listening to the Dutch anthem after every Grand Prix. Max Verstappen won 19 out of 22 races in the last season, making it a tradition. However, in the ongoing season, the Verstappen storm has subsided. Moreover, the Dutch anthem was last played six races ago, an unusual trend in the sport.
While the Red Bul seniors have assured the team is on the right path, it is in serious trouble. The Milton Keynes-based outfit risks losing both the world titles if its technical issues persist. However, the RBR starlet has warned the team about these issues since the start of the season. Finally, Christian Horner has acknowledged that the Dutchman was right.
Pre-Existing Red Bull Problems Could Hinder Race To The World Title
Christian Horner acknowledged that Red Bull’s technical issues have been present for some time, with data showing early signs of trouble even at the beginning of the year. Despite winning races by significant margins, Horner admitted that underlying problems existed, pointing out that other teams have made significant progress, further exposing RBR’s challenges as they pushed their package harder. Moreover, the Briton revealed that these issues date back to last season, with signs emerging as early as the Austin race. He emphasized that Red Bull is fully focused on addressing this characteristic flaw, with the team at the Milton Keynes factory working diligently to resolve it.
Max Verstappen had previously highlighted these concerns to the team earlier in the year, and Horner confirmed this. He identified the primary issue as the car’s balance, noting a lack of connection between the front and rear. Although their wind tunnel data doesn’t reflect this imbalance, the track performance clearly indicates it, leading to a lack of trust in their tools. As a result, the team is now relying more heavily on track data and previous experiences to find a solution.
Helmut Marko Points Out A Fundamental Issue Troubling Red Bull
Helmut Marko acknowledged that Red Bull discovered a significant, fundamental issue with the RB20 car during the Italian Grand Prix weekend, echoing concerns raised by the star racer. Marko emphasized that the team is united in finding a solution, with everyone working diligently. He mentioned that the upcoming tyre tests at Monza, scheduled after the Italian GP, could help the team get back on track.
The Austrian executive also pointed out that the RB20, once the best car on the grid, has suddenly become unpredictable and difficult to control. He stressed the urgency of addressing this issue, noting that the car has become extremely sensitive to even the slightest changes, such as variations in outside temperature, tire compounds, or fuel levels. These factors have been disrupting the car’s balance, making it challenging to maintain consistency. Additionally, Marko suggested that a disconnect between wind tunnel data and on-track performance might contribute to the problem, underscoring the need for a swift resolution.
