Red Bull Racing’s reign of dominance in Formula One has come to a sudden halt, with the team struggling to maintain their winning streak from last season. Team boss Christian Horner has identified the culprit: car balance issues that have created a vicious cycle for the champions.
After winning 21 of 22 races in 2023, the most one-sided campaign in F1 history, Red Bull and their triple-champion driver, Max Verstappen, have suffered six consecutive losses. At the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen finished sixth, leaving him a significant 62 points behind McLaren’s Lando Norris with eight races remaining.
Verstappen himself expressed frustration after the race, describing his car as a “monster.” The concerns extend beyond the drivers’ championship, as Red Bull’s struggles have also jeopardized their hold on the constructors’ title.
Horner acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “I think this circuit has exposed the deficiencies that we have in the car versus last year. You can see that we have a disconnection in balance that just isn’t working.” He explained that the team’s efforts to compensate for the imbalance only exacerbate the issue, leading to a vicious cycle of problems.
He added that while the team had identified some of the balance issues back in Austin last year, they became more prominent as the car was pushed harder. Horner also noted that other teams, like McLaren, have made significant progress, further highlighting Red Bull’s relative decline.
The team boss emphasized the need for a quick solution, with Ferrari’s recent win at Monza highlighting the pressure on Red Bull to regain their competitive edge. “Based on today’s performance, you’d say both (titles) are under absolute pressure,” he stated.
Horner admitted to a discrepancy between the data from the wind tunnel and on-track performance. He suggested that Red Bull might have gone too complex with their design, and simplifying certain aspects could prove beneficial.
Despite the challenging situation, Horner expressed confidence in Verstappen’s dedication to addressing the issues. “He’s working with the engineers, he’s explaining very clearly where the issues are, he’s putting the time and effort in,” he said. The champion is actively involved in the search for solutions, participating in Zoom calls and simulator sessions to find a way to regain their winning form.
The spotlight is now firmly on Red Bull as they strive to break free from their current slump and reclaim their dominance in Formula One. With both championships hanging in the balance, the team faces a crucial battle to regain their edge in the remaining races of the season.
