Max Verstappen claims Red Bull can find “big margins” by fixing RB20’s key weakness
Max Verstappen believes Red Bull can significantly improve the performance of its Formula 1 car, the RB20, by addressing a key weakness. The Dutch driver identified problems with the car’s response to braking and track irregularities, which limited the RB20’s potential, particularly at demanding circuits such as Monaco and Montreal.
After a challenging race in Monaco, where he finished sixth, Verstappen regained his form by winning the Canadian Grand Prix. Even with the win, however, the Montreal event again highlighted the car’s problems handling uneven surfaces. “The last few races have been quite difficult, with a lot of problems all weekend. We need to have a cleaner weekend,” Verstappen said after his sixth win of the season.
The RB20’s biggest weakness is its response to curbs and bumps on the track. “We struggle a lot with curbs and irregularities on the track. So we definitely have an area where we can work and improve the car a lot if we can control it,” explained Verstappen. He believes Red Bull can solve this problem without compromising the car’s strengths.
“I really think we can solve this without negatively affecting any other part of the car,” said the world champion. “We know it’s a weakness, and I also know we’re working hard to fix it because I feel like it’s a pretty big performance limitation for us right now.”
Verstappen is confident that Red Bull can find huge margins of improvement by correcting this weakness and is looking forward to racing at tracks that are not as demanding on the car in terms of braking and irregularities. “You can see that some teams are a little bit stronger every weekend so far at certain tracks, and I think that makes it very exciting,” he said.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner agrees with Verstappen and stresses that all aspects of the car must work together. “Everything has to work together, so you put pressure on the aerodynamic platform of the car, but you also want the car to handle the curbs well. What was encouraging was that our sector three was competitive this weekend, even with the car’s rock-solid stiffness in that final chicane,” Horner said.
Horner believes there are real breakthroughs to unlock if they can solve the problem. “If we can unlock this, we will see a significant reduction in turnaround time,” he concluded.
Verstappen and Horner’s belief in the RB20’s potential for improvement suggests Red Bull is determined to address its weaknesses and remain competitive in the championship chase. Solving this problem could be the deciding factor for the team to maintain the lead and gain more wins throughout the season.
