Amidst the high-octane world of Formula 1, Red Bull’s latest consideration isn’t just about who sits behind the wheel.
- Yuki Tsunoda is gearing up for his debut at Suzuka after a brief stint by Liam Lawson.
- Red Bull’s Helmut Marko is pondering setup adjustments to make the second car easier to handle.
- Max Verstappen prefers a car with a sensitive front end, challenging for other team members.
- Red Bull is pursuing stability upgrades, chasing a car that handles all conditions seamlessly.
Yuki Tsunoda is set to make his much-anticipated debut in the Red Bull car at his home Grand Prix in Suzuka. This change follows a short, impressive run by Liam Lawson, who returns to Racing Bulls. Red Bull’s decision is part of an evolving strategy to enhance their competitive edge.
Helmut Marko, a key figure at Red Bull, has indicated that the team is considering an overhaul of their car setup, specifically for the second car. This move aims to make the car more manageable, suggesting a shift away from the highly sensitive configuration favored by Max Verstappen, which some of his teammates have found challenging. Marko’s goal is to make handling easier without sacrificing performance.
Max Verstappen’s affinity for a sensitive front-end setup has sometimes left other drivers struggling to replicate his success on the track. Former Red Bull driver Alex Albon once likened driving their car to using a ‘computer mouse,’ highlighting its precision and sensitivity. Red Bull acknowledges this issue and is contemplating a less aggressive setup for the second car to broaden accessibility for their drivers.
In addition to potential setup changes, Red Bull is eyeing significant upgrades to improve the RB21’s stability across diverse racing conditions. Their senior advisor, Marko, has confirmed ongoing efforts to develop a vehicle that performs consistently at all venues and temperatures. These upgrades aim to resolve the lingering ‘negative tendencies’ noticed during the Bahrain pre-season tests.
Back at their Milton Keynes headquarters, Red Bull engineers are working tirelessly to implement improvements. While changes are not expected overnight, Marko is optimistic that within a foreseeable timeframe, the innovations will materialize on the track. He emphasizes that updates are a common pursuit among teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, each striving for performance enhancements.
Red Bull is committed to refining its strategies, aiming for a car that combines ease of handling with optimal performance.
