Max Verstappen has openly critiqued Red Bull Racing’s rear wing development strategy, claiming it effectively sacrifices their competitiveness at two circuits annually: Monza and the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. The Dutchman, who will clinch his fourth Formula 1 title if he finishes ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris in tonight’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, suggested that the team’s choice not to develop an ultra-low drag rear wing has come at a cost.
“It Feels Like Throwing Away Two Weekends”
Red Bull has chosen not to produce an ultra-low drag rear wing under the current ground-effect regulations, prioritizing other developments within the constraints of the budget cap. While this approach has generally kept the team dominant, Verstappen pointed out its glaring limitations at circuits that demand extreme straight-line efficiency.
“We opted to not make [a low-drag rear wing]. We don’t have one. This has been the case since 2022,” Verstappen said. “With the budget cap, you choose your priorities, and we shifted that. Would I have liked a lower-downforce wing? For sure. Or at least a more efficient shape.”
Verstappen was candid about the impact of this decision, describing it as akin to forfeiting two races a season.
“For me, at least, it feels a bit like we throw away two race weekends like this.”
Las Vegas GP Qualifying Woes
Verstappen qualified fifth for the Las Vegas GP, hindered by a significant straight-line speed deficit compared to rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari, both of which have developed more aerodynamic rear wings suited to high-speed circuits. The reigning champion acknowledged that his chances of contending for victory are slim given the pace disparity.
“I don’t think at the moment I can fight with Ferrari or Mercedes. They’re too quick,” Verstappen admitted. “Hopefully, I can fight with an Alpine. And with McLaren, it depends. Both of us were struggling in the long run, but we’ve made changes, and so have they.”
Cost vs. Benefit Debate Under Budget Cap
Red Bull’s rear wing strategy stems from a broader budget cap decision. With only one year left under the current regulations, Verstappen questioned whether it makes sense to invest in such developments for 2024.
“There’s only one more year left with these rules, and I don’t know if it makes sense [to develop a new wing].”
Despite the frustrations, Verstappen expressed hope for salvaging a strong race result and remains focused on clinching the 2024 drivers’ title.
A Strategic Dilemma
Red Bull’s decision highlights the ongoing challenge teams face under F1’s cost cap era: balancing short-term gains with long-term strategy. While Red Bull has dominated most of the season, Verstappen’s comments underscore the trade-offs involved in prioritizing developments for consistent performance over specialized upgrades.
As the Las Vegas GP looms, Verstappen may have to dig deep to overcome the inherent limitations of his RB20, with the focus firmly on staying ahead of Norris to seal his historic fourth championship.