Red Bull set to bring crucial updates for Hungarian GP

Jaden Diaz
19/07/2023

Red Bull secured another victory at the British Grand Prix, but the Austrian team is preparing updates for Hungary to reinstate the more comfortable advantage the RB19 enjoyed early in the season.

Yet another victory, at face value, seems like yet another success. This is especially true given the fluctuations of Red Bull’s nearest challengers – such as Ferrari, Mercedes or Aston.

However, keeping the mantle of the fastest team in Formula 1 is a process equally intensive as climbing the field from further down.

McLaren was within striking distance of Red Bull on both qualifying and race day, which will serve as a warning sign for personnel at Milton Keynes.

Budget cap limitations and wind tunnel restrictions will force Red Bull to be efficient with their updates.

The Austrian squad’s biggest advantage over its rivals, at least to start the year, was a strong baseline concept that has not required substantial overhaul.

Therefore, unlike rivals, Adrian Newey’s team has been able to consistently improve the RB19 without making major revisions.

With the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes working to address their fundamental limitations, Red Bull cannot afford to slow down on development.

Speaking after the British GP, Max Verstappen has made no secret of his team’s pursuit of more performance:

“Drag, low speed, medium speed, high speed, DRS effect, tyre wear. All these areas. That’s what we’re working on… Braking performance! Yeah, I’m not kidding.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen in Hungary, to be honest, or who is going to be the second quickest.

“The stable factor so far is that every single weekend, it seems like we are on top, which of course, is the most important from our side.

“But again, Hungary is a completely different track. We will put some upgrades on the car there, and hopefully, they will work well.”

Upgrades are scheduled to arrive in Hungary as Red Bull balances its resource allocation between 2023 and 2024.

Though all teams are navigating this balancing act, this challenge is heightened for a team with the lowest wind tunnel allocation in F1.

Moving forward, it will be intriguing to see how far teams close the gap to Red Bull in what remains of 2023.

This will directly impact the gaps teams across the field will aim to bridge over the winter. In addition, the rest of 2023 will outline what weaknesses and limitations Red Bull’s rivals must overcome.

Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang

Autore

SEGUICI SU

Podcast