Despite being renowned for their strong mid-season development, Red Bull are suffering a sharp decline. Upgrades to the RB20 have proven ineffective, with Red Bull failing to make meaningful progress since the Japanese GP in April. In an effort to rectify the situation, the team have been forced to make sacrifices.
Red Bull to delay 2025 development as upgrades underperform
McLaren now have a comfortable lead in the constructors standings, having consistently outscored Red Bull in recent months. Considering Sergio Perez’s struggles this season, even improvements to the RB20 are unlikely to displace Andrea Stella’s squad from leading the team’s standings.
Because of this, Red Bull are putting all efforts in helping Max Verstappen defend the drivers’ Championship. After months of stagnant development, the upcoming American GP will see the team introduce a critical set of updates.
An increasingly unpredictable RB20 has been cited as the biggest limiting factor for performance. The issue of poor drivability, highlighted by Verstappen several months ago, has persisted throughout 2024.
However, the Dutchman noted that there was a step forward in Singapore. Modifications at the Marina Bay circuit resulted in small improvements, although larger updates are necessary to respond to McLaren’s rapid climb.
Christian Horner’s team will continue working establishing a more consistent aerodynamic platform – which will allow any future upgrades to work more effectively.
Although prioritising the ongoing battle between Verstappen and Norris is logical, this decision does not come without consequences.
The path ahead is unclear
At a time when most teams are shifting their focus to 2025 development, Red Bull cannot afford this luxury. Resources are still being invested into the RB20, which inevitably means that next year’s package is receiving less attention.
In many ways, understanding their current limitations are central to next season’s car. With that said, there is no denying that Red Bull have been forced to recalibrate their plans after several months of failed updates.
Whilst McLaren and Ferrari have a clearer idea for their 2025 cars, the reigning Champions are playing catch up.
Of course, it would be premature to write off the Milton Keynes squad. It will only take an improvement of a few tenths to put Max Verstappen within striking range of McLaren.
Still, the last six months indicate quite strongly that Red Bull are running out of ideas. They themselves have admitted they are hitting the development ceiling with their existing concept.
Having dominated the first two years of these regulations, Red Bull are now being caught by McLaren, Ferrari and even Mercedes.
