Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in action during the race Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in action during the race Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
Red Bull Racing became one of the perennial trendsetters and high-performing achievers in the early years of the 2010s. But shortly after, Mercedes entered the ring and, with a smooth car comprising healthy drivability, they started clinching all the titles on offer.
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Many F1 enthusiasts have emphasized about the car’s problems itself, and it not being very ‘driver-friendly.’ Speaking to a podcast, former F1 designer Gary Anderson illustrated how Red Bull should look to solve these persisting technical issues.
He said, “I will say that it’s got a very peaky downforce level. They use the rake of the car to get the front wing near the ground. So they’re working the front wing very, very hard.”
Max Verstappen understands all that ‘feeling’ at Red Bull, said Anderson
“They’re definitely working items on that car that are designed to have airflow separation. And that’s all great stuff as long as you’re in control of it all and you can manage it all, and you can make it work for you.”
While so many drivers have struggled to get to grips with Red Bull’s cars over the years, Max Verstappen has shown his adaptive capabilities. But the ex-Jordan F1 designer feels that the ‘peaky downforce’ levels on the car might actually hinder Verstappen as well.
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MONTMELO, SPAIN: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“Verstappen is at that point where he understands all that feeling here, he understands what it’s all about. But I see it as a detriment really to be honest, and I see it as a detriment probably to Verstappen.”
Will Sergio Perez be able to adapt to the tricky RB16B in the upcoming season?
“If I was Red Bull, I’d be looking at trying to make sure you build a car that hasn’t got that peaky downforce. It might detract from Verstappen’s performance a little bit initially, but I’m sure in the long term it’d get better for him,” concluded Anderson.
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SUZUKA, JAPAN – OCTOBER 10: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Racing Point walks out for the drivers autograph signing session during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Bringing in Perez signals Red Bull’s intention to inculcate more valuable inputs from an experienced head. Having driven for a Mercedes-powered car, his feedback will prove instrumental in developing the RB16B car further throughout the season.
Hence, with an excellent racing profile, there is a good chance Perez could solve a few issues that the Milton Keynes outfit have faced so far. In doing so, both he and Verstappen could well guide Red Bull to their first Constructors’ title since 2013.
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