A long-standing debate at Red Bull has boiled down to a simple question. Is there a problem with the second driver, or the second car at the team?

Ever since Daniel Ricciardo left, Red Bull have been in pursuit of a capable replacement who can guide the team to point finishes and podiums. So far, it has just been Max Verstappen fighting the Mercedes cars on his own.

Now, Red Bull fans have called on the team to make a change to their drivers’ lineup ahead of the 2021 season. However, team principal Christian Horner believes that even a new driver would face difficulties adjusting to their car.

Red Bull think the RB16 has ‘more complexities’ compared to the RB15

Speaking in a brief interview, Horner is quoted as saying, “Of course there is. I think that a fast car is sometimes a difficult car and of course, the way we try to generate lap time is at the entrance of the curve.” (translated via Google Translate)

The 2019 car was probably a little easier in terms of the handling and overall balance. In 2020, the RB16 has proven to be slightly more difficult, leading to Albon’s abject performances.

“And the car has had its complexities this year, more than last year I would say. So that has made life difficult.” stated Horner.

Horner has admitted that the team are hard at work back in their Milton Keynes base for the 2021 season. The idea is to make a more balanced car which can suit both Verstappen and the new driver.

The team could be on the lookout for a new driver ahead of 2021

Recent news had indicated that a decision on Red Bull’s lineup for the new season would be forthcoming somewhere close to the Turkish Grand Prix. Currently, the market is only strife with speculation about who it could be.

As it stands, it would be one of Sergio Perez or Nico Hulkenberg to take the seat alongside Max. There is also a possibility of Albon staying with the team, should he perform adequately well in the remaining races this season.

Regardless, Red Bull need to find solutions quickly, both the car and driver. For it could be another season write-off in 2021, as Mercedes will only raise the stakes to take home yet another title.