Max Verstappen Admits Red Bull 'Threw Away' Two Races After...

Max Verstappen Admits Red Bull ‘Threw Away’ Two Races After…read more.

.Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver, has openly acknowledged that the team’s decision to forgo the development of a low-downforce rear wing for the 2024 season, due to concerns over budget caps, has negatively impacted his performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Instead of utilizing a dedicated low-downforce wing, Red Bull is relying on a modified version of their current rear wing design. Verstappen believes that this compromise is less effective than a specialized, purpose-built low-downforce configuration.

As competitors have introduced track-specific rear wing designs tailored for the unique demands of the Las Vegas circuit, Verstappen finds himself at a distinct disadvantage. This situation highlights the strategic decisions made by Red Bull in recent years, particularly since the onset of the ground effect era. The team did not anticipate the necessity of prioritizing extreme low-downforce setups, which has now left them vulnerable in specific racing conditions.

This lack of a suitable rear wing not only affects Verstappen’s performance in Las Vegas but has also had repercussions at other tracks, such as Monza, where he finished in sixth place. Following the first two practice sessions in Las Vegas, there were rumors that Red Bull had neglected to bring a low-downforce wing to the race. However, team principal Christian Horner clarified that the team simply does not have a design that meets those requirements.

Verstappen has expressed dissatisfaction with this strategic decision, indicating that it may now be too late to develop the essential component with only a year remaining before the advent of a new era in Formula 1. In a media interaction, he stated: “We don’t have one. So this is already from 2022. I think we just never thought that we would run it that low. And then with the budget cap, you choose your priorities and we shifted that.”

He further elaborated, “Would I have liked to have a lower downforce wing? Yeah, for sure. Or at least a different shape. A more efficient shape.” While he acknowledged that the current setup has its merits, he emphasized the importance of being well-prepared for future races.

As Verstappen competes for his fourth championship title during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, he must maintain a 60-point lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Standings. He can secure the championship by finishing ahead of Norris in the race or if both drivers fail to score any points. Even if Verstappen finishes behind Norris, he can still clinch the title as long as Norris does not outscore him by more than two points.

The implications of Red Bull’s decisions regarding wing development are significant for Verstappen, who has consistently shown strong performance throughout the season. His candid acknowledgment of the team’s strategic mis