Max Verstappen entered the Imola track in the RB18, which was previously a dominant car, to establish a benchmark for the RB20. Red Bull had remarkable success during the ground effect era, especially in the 2022 season. However, the team faced challenges with the RB20 due to significant changes in its chassis. To address these issues, Verstappen was rumored to have driven the RB18 in Imola before the Spanish GP.
Verstappen’s performance at the start of the 2024 season has been consistent with his previous dominant form. However, he has encountered difficulties with the balance and grip of the chassis, especially on curbs and bumps, resulting in setbacks in several races. In an attempt to find a solution, the team decided to have Verstappen drive the RB18, which is two years older, in Imola on Wednesday.
The Red Bull chief engineer revealed that the purpose of this exercise was to provide Verstappen with a reference point from the previous car. By doing so, they hoped to solve the issues present in the current version of the RB20, based on the previous chassis. Therefore, by driving the RB18 in Imola, Verstappen would be able to provide valuable feedback that could be crucial in resolving the impending problems with the RB20.
Verstappen’s feedback from driving the previously dominant RB18 would offer a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by the contender. However, it is believed that his feedback on the RB20 would not significantly change after driving the older chassis. The RB18 was simply used to provide a different benchmark compared to this year’s chassis.
However, Verstappen’s feedback on the RB20 will be combined with other comments to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the car’s performance. This approach will allow the team to analyze the data and compare it with rival teams to further assess the situation.
The strong performance of Red Bull has posed a challenge for rival teams as they are quickly closing in. However, Verstappen’s resilient performances have allowed Red Bull to strengthen their position in the constructor’s championship. To continue defending against rival teams, the team in Milton Keynes will need to remain competitive in the ongoing development battle.
