Red Bull Dismisses Mercedes’ Claim of “Downgrade” in Formula 1 Car
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has rejected Mercedes’ assertions that the latest updates to their Formula 1 car have been a “downgrade” that has hindered their competitiveness in the current season. As the Formula 1 schedule reaches its ninth round, the Canadian Grand Prix, Red Bull’s dominance with the current ground effect regulations has been put to the test, with Ferrari and McLaren implementing developments to bridge the gap.
In recent weeks, Red Bull’s rivals have been closing in, with Ferrari and McLaren securing wins, while Mercedes edged the reigning champions to pole position in Canada. Red Bull attributed their struggles in Monaco to the circuit’s bumps and kerbs, but Mercedes Technical Director James Allison suggested that some upgrades haven’t performed as intended.
However, Horner has refuted these claims, stating that the revised parts introduced on the RB20 car at Imola have worked as anticipated. When asked about Allison’s comments, Horner told Sky Sports F1 in Montreal, “No, absolutely not. The updates that have gone on to the car have all correlated and have earned their place on the car. There are quite often rumours that percolate.”
“We’ve got to be at the top of our game, to keep ahead, and so everybody in the team… What we achieved last year was unnatural, it was always going to converge, it was always going to become more competitive. And I think every member of our team is acutely aware of that and working very hard to try and make sure that we stay ahead of the rest.”
Horner believes the convergence of the teams’ performances is a healthy sign of competition in the Formula 1 standings. He suspects that the new asphalt at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and the intermittent rain conditions may be suiting Mercedes more than the competition. Despite Mercedes’ strong showing in Canada, Horner remains focused on the Ferraris and McLarens, stating, “I think we’re probably more focused on the Ferraris and McLarens than the Mercedes over the balance of a season.” However, he acknowledged that there is still work to be done, with Red Bull looking to address some issues that have arisen during the season.
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