Red Bull’s Verstappen Upgrade Backfires in Miami Mayhem…Read more
Red Bull’s Verstappen Upgrade Backfires in Miami Mayhem…Read more
Red Bull Racing has drawn its first conclusions regarding the latest update introduced to Max Verstappen’s RB21, following a challenging Miami Grand Prix weekend. The reigning world champion faced unexpected difficulties throughout the event, prompting a deeper analysis of the new components added to the car.
The team brought a series of aerodynamic upgrades aimed at enhancing downforce and cornering stability. However, the changes didn’t translate into the usual dominant performance Verstappen is known for. While he still managed to finish on the podium, the Dutch driver voiced concerns about the car’s balance and handling, especially in high-speed sections.
Speaking after the race, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner acknowledged that the update didn’t deliver the intended performance gains — at least not immediately.
“We’ve gathered a lot of data from this weekend,” Horner said. “It’s clear the car wasn’t behaving as Max expected, and the update may have shifted the balance slightly. But that’s part of the development process.”
Verstappen himself said the car felt “nervous” during key stages of the race and lacked the predictability he prefers, especially during qualifying and under braking.
Red Bull engineers are now analyzing telemetry data to determine whether the new package is to blame or if track-specific factors in Miami played a role. The team remains confident that with some fine-tuning, the update will pay off in upcoming races.
As the grid heads to Imola next, Red Bull will be under pressure to ensure Verstappen has a car that suits his aggressive yet precise driving style — especially with McLaren and Ferrari closing the performance gap.
The coming weeks will be critical as Red Bull aim to maintain their championship lead while perfecting their upgrade strategy.
