In a shocking turn of events, Red Bull’s flexible wing strategy at the Monaco Grand Prix has left them scrambling for points as McLaren gains ground. Team Principal Christian Horner admits to taking a risky gamble that didn’t pay off, putting them 25 points behind their target.
From the triumph at Imola to a lackluster fourth-place finish in Monaco, Red Bull’s performance has been a rollercoaster ride. The race in Monaco saw Max Verstappen impeded by Lewis Hamilton, ultimately affecting his starting position. Despite a third-place finish by Oscar Piastri, Red Bull now finds themselves 25 points adrift from the championship lead.
Horner revealed that their strategic roll of the dice in Monaco failed to yield the desired results. The team was banking on a Safety Car or similar event to turn the tide in their favor, as overtaking on the track proved to be nearly impossible. The decision to extend Verstappen’s stint backfired, while bringing Tsunoda in early initially seemed promising but ultimately fell short.
With McLaren steadily gaining momentum, Horner remains hopeful but acknowledges the tough road ahead. The team’s focus now shifts to the upcoming race in Barcelona, where they aim to close the gap and get back on track towards their championship ambitions. This setback serves as a stark reminder of the fierce competition in the world of Formula 1, where every decision can make or break a team’s title aspirations.