Paul Monaghan has addressed whether the Red Bull RB20 is truly a ‘diva.’ According to Monaghan, the team’s data shows no indication that the RB20’s performance has deteriorated since the start of the season.
The RB20 hasn’t clinched a victory since the Spanish Grand Prix in June, marking Max Verstappen’s longest winless streak since retiring from the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. This has led to speculations about the car’s performance issues.
Red Bull began the season with their RB20 dominating races much like the previous year. Despite a brake issue in Australia and a poorly-timed Safety Car in Miami, the initial races of the season showcased the superior prowess of both Verstappen and the RB20. However, as the season progressed, McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes managed to secure victories, with McLaren’s MCL38 emerging as the fastest car at the summer break.
Red Bull’s RB20, despite receiving upgrades, now appears to be the second or third quickest car on the grid on any given weekend. Speaking to PlanetF1.com, Paul Monaghan, Red Bull’s chief engineer, was questioned about the transition in the car’s performance since the Chinese Grand Prix, a race where Verstappen had previously praised the car’s handling.
Monaghan acknowledged the team’s internal inquiries into the changes the car has undergone. ‘A surprisingly small amount has altered in terms of our car,’ Monaghan stated. The team has made various revisions to the bodywork to improve efficiency, and current data does not suggest any significant negative impact on the car’s performance. ‘We are continuously evaluating, and if we find something, we may not necessarily disclose it,’ he added.
Monaghan also addressed comparisons to Mercedes’ so-called ‘diva’ cars, known for their narrow operating windows and inconsistent behavior. He dismissed the idea that the RB20 falls into the same category. ‘Our car doesn’t exhibit unpredictable behavior,’ he explained. ‘We have strategies in place to manage and extract the best performance from it.’
Despite introducing upgrades such as new sidepods and an engine cover at the Hungarian Grand Prix, which seemingly had minimal impact, Monaghan reassured that no fundamental flaws had been detected. The team continues to meticulously review and refine their approaches, aiming to maintain their competitive edge.
Ultimately, as Monaghan succinctly put it, ‘lap time is our currency.’ The team remains focused on optimizing every aspect of the RB20 to ensure it can compete at the highest level.
In conclusion, Red Bull’s engineering team remains confident in the RB20’s capabilities. While the car has faced challenges, ongoing assessments and refinements are expected to help reclaim its top-tier status. The essence of competition, as Monaghan points out, lies in continual improvement and adaptation.
