Max Verstappen is unhappy with Red Bull’s development rate. The Dutchman was a frustrated figure at the end of Hungary qualifying, as McLaren locked out the front row. Despite introducing a major set of upgrades, there is clearly still work for Red Bull to do.
Red Bull hold onto their advantage in the standings
Due to various factors, Red Bull have managed to keep their lead in the Constructors Championship.
Arguably, the most significant has been Max Verstappen, who still wins races at an impressive strike rate – even as rivals catch up to the RB20.
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s poor development has prevented them from capitalising on Red Bull’s struggles.
The Scuderia were only 50 points behind the Austrian team after Monaco, certainly within striking distance in the standings.
However, the upgrades fitted to the SF-24 have failed to produce performance.
Instead, the additional downforce they generate has created bouncing – which is costly for driver comfort and performance.
McLaren have the fastest car in Formula 1, as they have since the Miami GP.
Only the team’s operational shortcomings, including poor strategy, have prevented them from taking first place in the Championship.
Verstappen: Red Bull trajectory is not sustainable
On paper, there is plenty for Red Bull to celebrate when reading the above analysis. Even without the fastest car, they have optimised their package – at least with Max Verstappen.
However, the Austrian team have plenty of issues themselves to address.
Their other driver, Sergio Perez, is unable to contribute meaningfully. His performances are increasingly concerning, costing Red Bull in the standings and proving their decision to offer him a new contract was premature.
For Verstappen, though, the team’s poor development is a more pressing concern:
“Not everyone realises the situation, I think,” De Telegraaf quotes him as saying.
“With me, they know that I don’t make excuses. I am always very real.
“I think some people might need to wake up a little bit.”
Throughout 2024, Red Bull’s internal situation has been very volatile.
Helmut Marko and Christian Horner were directly involved in a power struggle, which is understood to have indirectly caused Adrian Newey’s departure.
When the season began, the RB20’s excellent on-track performance helped to distract from this.
However, this is no longer the case. Pierre Wache’s technical department continues to lose ground in the development race.
McLaren, Ferrari and now Mercedes have shown they can bridge the gap to the reigning Champions.
Considering the advantage Red Bull had twelve months ago, their decline has been significant.
With an underperforming driver and a slowly worsening car, there are legitimate concerns to address at Milton Keynes.
