Max Verstappen isn’t mincing words about Red Bull’s need for a strong performance. As the Hungarian Grand Prix looms, the team has unveiled its biggest upgrade package of the season. The stakes are high, and Verstappen knows it. “If this is not giving us some good lap time, then I don’t know how the rest of the season is going to evolve,” he admits.
Red Bull’s RB20 had a blazing start to the 2024 season, but competitors like McLaren and Mercedes have been closing the gap. Despite a solid lead in the standings, recent races have shown that wins aren’t coming as easily. Verstappen, always candid, notes, “Over the last few races, we’ve not had the quickest car.”
The team has struggled to push performance enhancements through as fast as their rivals. McLaren, in particular, is starting to pose a real threat to Red Bull’s dominance. Verstappen is straightforward about the challenges Red Bull faces. “These cars are just very complicated and some bits might be also just in the setup itself,” he explains.
At this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Red Bull is pulling out all the stops. The team’s most significant package yet has everyone watching closely. Verstappen remains cautiously optimistic, saying, “Hopefully, the upgrades will give us a good boost, but at the moment I just want to see how that will all work this weekend.”
Verstappen has been vocal about the team’s relatively slow development curve, especially under the current regulations. While acknowledging the constraints of the cost cap and aerodynamic testing limits, he refuses to make excuses. “I’m not using that as an excuse because I don’t want to think like that,” says the Dutchman, urging his team to push for more.
Red Bull’s struggle isn’t just about technical limitations; it’s also about time. As the leading team, they have less wind tunnel time and other testing advantages. Verstappen emphasizes, “We have less time and we try to do the best we can.” He knows that other teams are making bigger strides and pushing Red Bull to keep up.
This weekend’s race will be more than just another grand prix for Red Bull. It’s a litmus test for their future performance this season. If the upgrades don’t deliver, the second half of 2024 could be a tough climb. But if they do, Red Bull could regain its edge and fend off the growing threat from its rivals.
As the Hungarian Grand Prix approaches, all eyes are on Red Bull and its ambitious upgrades. Max Verstappen’s candid comments reflect the high stakes for the team. Whether these enhancements will be enough to restore Red Bull’s dominance remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the outcome will shape the narrative of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Source: Motorsport
