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Pierre Wache: Max Verstappen’s brilliance masked Red Bull’s struggles at Monza

Virgilio Machado by Virgilio Machado
January 22, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Pierre Wache: Max Verstappen’s brilliance masked Red Bull’s struggles at Monza

MONZA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 06: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB16 in the Pitlane during the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 06, 2020 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202009060429 // Usage for editorial use only //

Red Bull’s 2024 Formula 1 campaign wasn’t without its challenges, despite starting the season with dominant form. Technical Director Pierre Wache revealed that Max Verstappen’s exceptional driving ability camouflaged significant balance issues with the RB20—problems that became glaringly evident during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

A season of highs and unexpected lows

Red Bull began 2024 with commanding performances, led by Verstappen’s seven victories in the first 10 races. However, after triumphing at the Spanish Grand Prix, Red Bull hit a 10-race winless streak. While Verstappen managed four podiums during this period, his sixth-place finish at Monza marked a low point. The Dutchman described his car as a “monster” to handle, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Sergio Perez, meanwhile, struggled even more, failing to break into the top five during Red Bull’s rough patch.

“Max can filter out a lot of the balance issues with his talent,” Wache explained to Motorsport.com.

Yet even Verstappen’s brilliance couldn’t fully compensate for the RB20’s shortcomings at Monza, where the team’s balance issues were magnified by the low-downforce circuit.

A turning point at Monza

Wache highlighted Monza as a critical moment for Red Bull, where their problems were “enormously highlighted.” However, the race also became a catalyst for progress.

Verstappen’s analytical approach played a pivotal role in identifying and addressing the car’s deficiencies.

“I saw certain aerodynamic shifts in how we entered the corners, turned in, and also in terms of ride heights,” Verstappen told De Telegraaf. “I said: ‘Hey, it’s very clear that this and this is the problem, isn’t it?’ And that was right, I heard.”

Using this analysis, Verstappen collaborated with Red Bull engineers to recalibrate the RB20, focusing on resolving issues linked to changes made compared to the championship-winning car from 2023.

Red Bull’s resurgence

Post-Monza, Red Bull steadily clawed back its form. Highlights included:

  • United States GP Sprint victory: A morale-boosting performance.
  • Interlagos comeback: Verstappen’s stunning 17th-to-first drive demonstrated the team’s recovery.
  • Qatar GP triumph: A surprise victory sealed Red Bull’s resurgence.

These results not only reflected the team’s ability to adapt but also showcased Verstappen’s relentless determination and influence on the development process.

Crowning glory

Despite the mid-season slump, Verstappen fended off a resurgent McLaren and its star driver Lando Norris to secure his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship. The achievement underscored Verstappen’s role not just as a driver but as a critical component of Red Bull’s problem-solving efforts.

Looking ahead

The challenges Red Bull faced in 2024 serve as a reminder that even the best teams aren’t immune to technical setbacks. However, with Verstappen at the helm and a team willing to adapt, the Milton Keynes outfit has proven its resilience.

As the 2025 season looms, Red Bull’s improvements post-Monza suggest that they’ll be ready to reclaim their dominance—this time with lessons learned from a year of unexpected hurdles.

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