The Red Bull team has faced mounting pressure for several months, leading to growing internal conflicts and visible signs of strain. Their performance has steadily declined as they grapple with ongoing technical difficulties. Since their victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, they have struggled to secure another win, while competitors like McLaren have made substantial progress.
Expectations for a better result at Monza were high after a podium finish in Zandvoort, but the situation worsened. The team’s leading driver faced considerable challenges and finished in sixth place, while Sergio Perez continued his decline, finishing in eighth. Christian Horner has revealed the ongoing balance tussle dates back to the glory days of 2023.
How ‘Balance Issues’ Are Ending Red Bull’s Domination?
The main issue with Red Bull’s RB20 is a lack of balance between the front and rear of the car, a problem that became particularly evident during the recent Monza race. Christian Horner explained that while higher downforce at other circuits might mask some of these balance issues, Monza’s characteristics exposed the car’s limitations.
Further, Horner noted that the imbalance creates a cycle where the team struggles with tire wear and constantly adjusts the car’s setup. This constant adjustment only leads to new issues, creating a vicious circle that hampers overall performance. He mentioned that the problem has been present for some time, with early signs appearing at the start of the year and even last season in races like Austin.
The team’s push to improve on the dominant RB19 has led to the current challenges with the RB20, putting both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships in jeopardy. Red Bull currently holds a narrow eight-point lead over McLaren in the Constructors’ standings, while Max Verstappen leads Lando Norris by 62 points with only eight races remaining. If Red Bull cannot resolve these issues swiftly, they risk losing both titles. The problems exposed at Monza have underscored the need for immediate action, as the team faces significant pressure to address the car’s deficiencies and regain its competitive edge.
Max Verstappen Urges Red Bull To Revisit The Entire RB20 Setup
Reflecting on his recent race, Max Verstappen acknowledged that despite the disappointing outcome, he wasn’t particularly frustrated. He concentrated on following his strategy, but the car’s lack of pace and a poor pit stop further hindered his performance. Verstappen noted that while the team’s strategy could have been better, he doubted any adjustments would have significantly improved his position.
An engine issue also impacted his race, limiting the car’s power for much of the event. Verstappen described the race as “pretty bad” and emphasized that the engine problem was a major concern. He stressed the need for significant changes to address the car’s performance issues before the upcoming race in Baku. With Verstappen’s winless streak extending to six races, he warned that the situation could worsen throughout the rest of the season without substantial improvements to the car.