In Hungary, Red Bull has unveiled its significant RB20 upgrade, crucially racing to enhance performance as rivals close in. Max Verstappen, clear on his expectations, eyes these changes eagerly after noticing a dip in the ‘natural’ feel of the car since the season’s start.
Paul Monaghan, Red Bull’s chief engineer, outlined the precise areas of the RB20 undergoing tweaks, revealing subtle geometry adjustments on the front wing and suspension, with no changes to the floor edge but enhancements around the rear wheel bodywork. As teams like McLaren and Mercedes gain ground, Verstappen is keen to recapture the seamless driving experience he enjoyed earlier, attributing necessary improvements to better simulator feedback and performance gains.
Red Bull’s approach in Hungary sees a distinct split between drivers, with Sergio Perez sticking to older specifications, while Verstappen tests out the new components, demonstrating the urgency and precision of Red Bull’s development process. The parts, originally slated for post-summer debut, arrived ahead of schedule—a testament to the team’s engineering prowess and dedication.
Monaghan candidly addressed Verstappen’s feedback, acknowledging the Dutch driver’s determination to win and the team’s efforts to extract more from the car. Despite a shift in the RB20’s feel, Red Bull remains confident in its balanced performance across circuits, with both Verstappen and Perez poised for strong results.
Verstappen has made it known that other teams have made notable advancements, and while he appreciates the competitiveness, he is counting on his team to push harder for more speed. His feedback, always constructive, never veers into negativity, focusing solely on continuous improvement.
Pierre Wache, Red Bull’s technical director, shared insights on the initial performance of the upgraded car during practice, noting no immediate issues as Verstappen finished second. Though FP1 is but an early test, Wache sees promising signs, reinforcing that the team’s updates are on the right path and far from exhausting regulatory limits.
As other teams rapidly advance, Red Bull’s push to quicken updates is evident—not just through aerodynamic improvements but enhancing how drivers utilize this advantage. The Hungarian GP serves as a testing ground for these developments, crucial to maintaining their competitive edge.
With Red Bull’s latest upgrades and Verstappen’s clear demands, it’s evident the team is fiercely committed to staying at the forefront of Formula 1 competition. As rivals nip at their heels, the Hungarian GP could mark a turning point—whether these innovations will deliver the edge Red Bull seeks remains the suspenseful question of the weekend.
