Max Verstappen voiced his disappointment over Red Bull’s rear wing decision, stating they may have wasted opportunities at two race weekends, including Las Vegas. The reigning Formula 1 champion highlighted the missed potential due to lacking a specific low-drag rear wing, which affected the car’s performance both in the corners and on the straights.
Rear Wing Choices Impact Performance
In recent practice sessions, Red Bull struggled to match the straight-line speed of competitors like Mercedes and McLaren. GPS data revealed a deficit of 7km/h on the straights, prompting a closer examination of Red Bull’s rear wing configuration to reduce aerodynamic drag.
Qualifying Challenges and Comparisons
Though Verstappen managed to narrow the speed gap during qualifying, he expressed concern that the RB20 still lagged behind rivals lacking a specialised low-drag rear wing. This component played to the advantage of McLaren’s Lando Norris, who outpaced many on the same day.
Verstappen qualified in fifth, just ahead of Norris, but the Red Bull star was candid about the limitations they faced without the low-drag wing. The decision against developing this wing was influenced by budget cap considerations, a choice Verstappen now questions for high-speed circuits like Las Vegas and Monza.
Strategic Decisions Under Budget Constraints
Verstappen shared, “We opted not to make one [low-drag rear wing], and that’s already a decision from 2022. With budget constraints, we had to choose priorities. But it feels like we threw away two race weekends with these choices.”
The absence of this aerodynamic component parallels his joint-worst finish this season at Monza, where he ended in sixth. Concerns are that Las Vegas might yield similar results, particularly due to the marginal performance on straights and in handling corners.
Adapting to Track Conditions
Verstappen pinpointed where time was lost, saying, “It’s in both corners and on the straights. The wing naturally loses top speed, especially with DRS. It’s a handicap we acknowledge on tracks like Monza and here in Las Vegas.”
Besides aerodynamic issues, Verstappen mentioned challenges with tyre performance, struggling to bring them into the optimal operating temperature. Nevertheless, he felt the team maximised their potential during qualifying, securing fifth place thanks to circumstances such as Lewis Hamilton missing a lap.
Looking Forward to the Race
The Red Bull driver remains optimistic about sealing his fourth consecutive championship. Finishing ahead of Norris would secure the title, a prospect Verstappen approaches with cautious optimism, stating, “It’s nice today but more important tomorrow.”
As the Las Vegas Grand Prix continues, the potential repercussions of Red Bull’s decisions under the budget cap might prompt re-evaluations for future races. The balance of speed, strategy, and budget considerations remains crucial in maintaining dominance in the F1 circuits.
