Max Verstappen is left unimpressed by the upgrades on the Red Bull RB21, casting doubt on the team’s performance at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The latest modifications brought to the RB21 were expected to enhance the car’s speed and agility, but Verstappen’s lukewarm reaction suggests otherwise.
Red Bull Racing arrived at the Grand Prix with a revamped floor, including adjustments to the Venturi channels and the lateral edge to optimize airflow. Despite these changes, both Verstappen and teammate Yuki Tsunoda struggled to make a significant impact during Free Practice sessions, with Verstappen only managing the seventh and sixth fastest times.
In a post-Practice 2 interview, Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction with the upgrades, stating, “Not fast enough at the moment.” His lack of confidence was palpable as he highlighted the need for improvements in corner balance and overall speed. Verstappen’s concerns were further exacerbated when he was overtaken by a McLaren, indicating a performance gap that needs urgent addressing.
With the Grand Prix looming and the narrow Imola track posing challenges, Verstappen’s apprehension raises questions about Red Bull Racing’s ability to compete at the highest level. Will the team be able to overcome these setbacks and secure a competitive edge on race day? Only time will tell.