Red Bull’s quest to reclaim its dominance on the Formula 1 grid faces a crucial test this weekend, as the team introduces a series of upgrades at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. After a month-long autumn break, the Austrian team has had time to analyze and address recent performance issues, but reigning champion Max Verstappen remains measured in his expectations for a sudden resurgence to the top.
The introduction of these upgrades comes after a challenging second half of the season, where Red Bull has struggled to keep pace with rivals like McLaren and Ferrari. Speaking at Thursday’s COTA press conference, Verstappen candidly addressed the team’s recent challenges and acknowledged that while they hope for improvements, they don’t expect these upgrades to magically restore their once-untouchable status.
“I don’t think it will be completely different, and we will suddenly have the most dominant car,” Verstappen stated. “We know the limitations we have with the car this year, but we are trying to make it better.”
Verstappen pointed to the Italian GP at Monza as a pivotal moment in understanding the car’s deeper issues. While Red Bull tried to push the performance envelope, the car’s balance problems became more glaring. This led to an in-depth analysis that has guided the development of their new package.
“Only at Monza did we find out what the main problems were. These upgrades are a result of the lessons we learnt from that,” he explained.
In recent weeks, Red Bull has also been the subject of rumors regarding the use of an illegal T-tray device, which allegedly allowed the team to alter their car’s ride height and enhance its performance. Verstappen dismissed these allegations with surprise, claiming no knowledge of any such component in their car. His teammate, Sergio Perez, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that there was never any intentional strategy behind the use of a device to manipulate ride height.
“There has been nothing that we were doing. We never actually talked about it. It was impossible,” Perez remarked. Reflecting on an incident during last year’s sprint event, Perez humorously recalled how a miscalculation left their car feeling like it was “close to the moon,” further downplaying any suggestion of manipulation.
As Red Bull prepares for the weekend in Austin, the team faces a critical turning point in their season. Despite the upgrades, Verstappen remains grounded, knowing the battle to regain top form will be a process rather than an overnight transformation. McLaren’s recent surge has placed extra pressure on Red Bull, and the race in Texas will be a litmus test for the effectiveness of their latest developments.
The final races of the 2024 season will reveal whether Red Bull can regain its competitive edge and challenge McLaren for supremacy, or if the limitations of their current car will continue to hold them back. For now, Verstappen and Red Bull are tempering expectations, acknowledging the uphill battle ahead.
