Red Bull’s Balance Woes Leave Verstappen Fearing Formula 1 Title Loss
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has voiced his concerns about the team’s ongoing struggles with the balance of their RB20 Formula 1 car, which has put world championship leader Max Verstappen’s title hopes in jeopardy. Following a dismal sixth-place finish at the Italian GP, Verstappen expressed fears that he may lose this year’s title due to the team’s difficulties with their 2024 F1 challenger.
Verstappen, who has been dominant in the past, feels that development directions taken by the team over the past 12 months have triggered a downturn in form. “Last year we had a great car, which was the most dominant car ever, and we basically turned it into a monster,” he said, acknowledging that it’s unrealistic to think he could now maintain his title lead.
Horner explained that the team’s struggles are a result of a vicious circle of balance problems, where curing issues in one area of the car only serves to open
“We’ve got some real challenges with the car at the moment, and we’re having to work very hard to try and get on top of that.”
Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, has also struggled with the balance of the RB20, often finding himself off the pace compared to the championship leader.
Implications for the Title Race
The ongoing balance issues have had a significant impact on Red Bull’s performance, with Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship shrinking in recent races. The Dutch driver now leads Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by just 116 points, with six races remaining in the 2022 season.
Efforts to Resolve the Issues
Red Bull is working hard to address the balance problems with the RB20, but Horner acknowledges that it’s a complex issue that will take time to resolve.
“It’s something we’re working very hard on to try and get on top of, but it’s not something that’s going to be a quick fix.”
The team is hoping to make progress in the coming races, but Verstappen’s title hopes may hinge on their ability to find a solution to the balance problems.
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