Will Red Bull Provide Max Verstappen with New Wings in 2025?

Red Bull’s technical director, Pierre Waché, has revealed that the team is considering the possibility of designing a low-drag rear wing for the 2025 season, following feedback from Max Verstappen. The reigning Formula 1 World Champion expressed frustration after Red Bull’s decision to not develop a low-drag wing for the 2024 season, believing that they lost valuable race weekends due to a lack of top-end speed.

Red Bull’s Low-Drag Wing Dilemma

The 2024 season saw Red Bull operating without a bespoke low-drag rear wing, a decision that came under scrutiny during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. As the team struggled with top speed on longer straights, some fans and pundits questioned whether Red Bull had made a mistake by not bringing a specific low-drag wing to the race.

However, Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, explained that while having a low-drag rear wing could have been beneficial, it wasn’t a simple decision. The team operates under a budget cap, which limits the resources available for additional upgrades. As a result, Red Bull opted not to design a low-drag wing, which would have required significant investment.

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, clarified the situation by stating that the team had not “forgotten” to bring a rear wing but rather did not see the need for a specifically designed low-downforce wing for circuits like Monza or Las Vegas. Instead, Red Bull chose to trim their existing wings to achieve higher top speeds. However, after underperforming in both Italy (P6) and Las Vegas (P5), Verstappen voiced his disappointment, saying, “It feels a bit like we throw away two race weekends like this.” His frustration was clear as the team appeared to struggle with straight-line speed.

The Budget Cap and the Need for Adaptation

While the budget cap has limited Red Bull’s ability to make upgrades, Waché remains open to exploring a low-drag wing for the future. “It has to do with the budget cap, but also with what you find,” Waché told Motorsport.com. He acknowledged that just because other teams have adopted a low-drag rear wing doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best solution for Red Bull.

Waché emphasized that the team would need to evaluate the performance of such a wing in terms of its impact on overall car balance. A low-drag wing might work well for circuits like Monza or Las Vegas, but if it negatively impacts the car’s overall performance, it might not be worth implementing.

While Verstappen’s comments about the team not investigating the low-drag wing enough are valid, Waché stressed that the team must remain open-minded and focused on what’s best for their car. “We have to look at what is the best solution for our car,” he said. Red Bull’s ability to strike the right balance is paramount to maintaining their dominant performance.

Focus on Car Balance in 2025

One of the biggest challenges for Red Bull in the 2025 season will be improving the overall car balance. Last year, Verstappen struggled at times with the RB20, particularly with the car’s handling over bumps and cornering. Waché explained that if Red Bull focuses solely on counteracting balance issues, it could create new problems, including tire wear and driving discomfort.

Addressing the deeper causes of the balance issues will be a priority as Red Bull develops their RB21 for the new season. The team must refine the car’s setup to ensure it handles optimally across various types of circuits, not just focusing on one specific issue, such as traction.

What’s Next for Red Bull and Verstappen?

As the 2025 season approaches, Red Bull will need to carefully assess their options and resources. The potential development of a low-drag rear wing could offer Max Verstappen the competitive edge he desires, but only if it aligns with the team’s broader goals for car balance and overall performance. It’s clear that Red Bull’s focus will remain on refining the car’s handling and minimizing any balance issues, but they will also need to stay open to potential upgrades, like a low-drag wing, to ensure they continue to dominate the grid.