Source: Official Team Post via X
Horner Discusses Verstappen's Influence on Red Bull's Winning Formula
Christian Horner sheds light on how Max Verstappen's preferences have shaped Red Bull's car development strategy. With the RB22 tailored to Verstappen's needs, the team found a winning formula, though it left little room for the second driver to challenge.
Christian Horner has offered insights into how Max Verstappen's influence has steered the development of Red Bull's cars, particularly the RB22, into a winning machine. As the United States Grand Prix approaches in Austin, Horner's remarks highlight a pivotal moment during 2022 when discussions with Verstappen's management led to a decisive shift in focus.
Horner recounts a conversation around the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where Verstappen's team expressed concerns that the car's development was too centered on Sergio Perez. They urged Red Bull to align more closely with Verstappen's needs. The result? A car tailored to Verstappen's distinctive driving style, especially his preference for a strong front end, which has proven challenging for other drivers to adapt to.
Red Bull's technical director, Pierre Waché, also shared with PlanetF1.com the transformation journey of the RB22. Although initially lagging by about 1.5 seconds at the start of the year, the car evolved into a back-to-back race winner. Waché, ever the perfectionist, remains unsatisfied, constantly seeking further improvements.
Meanwhile, McLaren is making headlines of its own, albeit off-track. The team is selling some of its historic cars, including two 1991 MP4-6 chassis and a 2012 MP4-27. These machines, once driven by legends like Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, are set to be auctioned, with the 2021 MCL35M and 2023 MCL37 also on the list. McLaren's Zak Brown notes that these cars "were built to be driven and raced," inviting collectors to give them a new lease on life.
In other developments, Max Verstappen will soon part ways with his race engineer GianPiero Lambiase, who is headed to McLaren by 2028. In the meantime, Tom Hart steps in to handle communications for Verstappen, starting with the Austin race weekend.
Lastly, Fernando Alonso raised concerns about his Honda engine's performance during the Singapore Grand Prix, describing the race as "the hard way" due to power unit issues. Alonso's struggles highlight the ongoing challenges teams face in optimizing engine performance.
As the F1 circus gears up for another triple-header, these narratives add layers to the unfolding drama, both on and off the track.