Red Bull Has No Plans to Develop F1 2024 Car ‘Specifically’ for Max Verstappen
Red Bull’s Technical Director, Pierre Wache, has clarified that the design of the RB20 for the 2024 Formula 1 season is not tailored exclusively to suit Max Verstappen’s driving style. However, the Dutchman’s preference for an oversteering car naturally aligns with the car’s unbalanced characteristics.
No Special Development for Verstappen
Wache emphasized that Red Bull’s approach to developing the RB20 is centered on overall performance rather than catering to a single driver.
“It is not our intention to develop the [RB20] specifically for Max,” Wache stated. “But as a driver, he can cope with less-connected balance.”
He elaborated on the engineering challenge, explaining that a fast car inherently leans toward an oversteering nature:
“To make a car fast, by definition, you aim for this. You could still create an understeering car, but it would be slower. Our job is to move away from that and optimize the setup to be quicker.”
Alex Albon’s Insight into Red Bull’s Car Dynamics
Former Red Bull driver Alex Albon shared his firsthand experience with the sharp handling characteristics of the Red Bull car, comparing its precision to a hyper-sensitive gaming simulator.
“He [Verstappen] has the car so much on the nose. It’s so sharp that it feels like a computer runner with maximum sensitivity. When I joined Red Bull, there was so much front-end grip that if you blew on the wheel, it would spin!”
Verstappen’s Mastery in Extreme Scenarios
Wache supported Albon’s observations with an example of Verstappen’s ability to handle the RB20 under extreme conditions.
“A few years ago in Budapest during practice, Max’s DRS didn’t close when he hit the brakes. But he didn’t fly off the track as he turned in—he simply commented that the rear felt light.”
This highlights Verstappen’s ability to extract peak performance even in challenging setups, showcasing his exceptional car control.
Dispelling Myths: Red Bull Cars Are Not Built Solely for Verstappen
Addressing the narrative that Red Bull designs its cars exclusively for Verstappen, Albon dismissed the idea, emphasizing the unique skillset of the reigning World Champion.
“People often say the car is built around him, that he’s like Michael Schumacher at Ferrari, creating the team around him. But in reality, the car is just that way. He’s incredibly fast.”
Albon explained that Verstappen’s driving style allows him to thrive in setups that others might struggle with:
“He has a pretty unique driving style that isn’t easy to match. My style is a bit smoother, but I also prefer a sharp front end. Max, however, takes it to an entirely different level—it’s astonishing to witness.”
Conclusion
Red Bull’s 2024 F1 challenger, the RB20, isn’t designed specifically for Verstappen, but his ability to excel with the car’s demanding setup sets him apart. As Wache and Albon point out, Verstappen’s mastery of challenging dynamics and his unique driving style highlight why he dominates the Formula 1 grid.
With Red Bull focused on optimizing performance rather than individual preferences, the RB20’s development aims to maintain the team’s supremacy while providing a platform where talent can shine—though few can match Verstappen’s extraordinary ability to handle its razor-sharp edge.
Stay tuned for further insights as Red Bull gears up for another thrilling Formula 1 season.
