Red Bull Racing chief engineer Paul Monaghan says that the upgrade package introduced for the RB20 in Hungary should prove “valuable” as the team tries to fight off an an increasingly strong challenge from rivals.
Max Verstappen suggested on Thursday that the package, highlighted by a revised front wing, is the most significant that the team has brought this year.
However only the Dutchman has the full new package this weekend, with Sergio Perez still using the earlier sidepod design.
Outlining the changes Monaghan said: “If you go front to back, some subtle geometry changes on the front wing, a little bit on the front suspension, sidepod, floor edges unchanged, little bit of work around the rear wheel body work. So overall, a few things spread across the two.
“Based upon the data we’ve got coming into this race, it should be valuable to us. I think really, we rate it in terms of what everybody else has done, don’t we?
“We’ve made the biggest step we can make. Is it enough? We’ll find out on Sunday afternoon. That’s really the rating of it, isn’t it?”
Monaghan stressed that the team had got the new parts to the track earlier than had originally been planned.
“Our belief is we’re going forward with this,” he said. “And thanks to everyone in the factory who has done a stunning job as we’ve got it here earlier than we expected, so we’ll hopefully make good use of it.
“We’d looked to see how quickly we could bring this. And this is the earliest opportunity. Everybody’s close to us, aren’t they? So, we need to be at the top of our game, and this is another small step.
“The upgrades, bar one part of it, are on both cars, so it’s a huge statement, and thank you to everyone that’s got it to this point.”
Monaghan noted that there is still more to come for the RB20: “The upgrade pipeline is pleasantly full. Getting them to the car is tricky, and we will have to see how we get on in the coming weeks as to when we can put more on the car.”
Monaghan said the drivers have played a role in pushing the team along.
“Max is typically demanding of us, but I think he places the same against himself,” he said.
“Checo, we’re doing all that we can to help him. He can drive, can’t he? There’s no doubt about that, he’s won races with us, so we just need to help him recover his confidence and belief, and I’m sure he can fly again.
“So we’re all part of the same team, and we want the best for everyone in it. So we will do our utmost to give them what they need.
“In terms of their feedback – good, constructive, helpful, never negative. It’s always a constructive criticism. You just take it on the chin and move on.”
