Laurent Mekies has acknowledged that Max Verstappen was “right not to be happy” following the Dutch driver’s late crash into the gravel trap at Stowe during the British Grand Prix. This incident marked a real disappointment for the four-time World Champion, who had already faced complications in Austria just a week prior, where he suffered a substantial crash in Q3. Despite these setbacks, Verstappen managed to secure P3 until the unfortunate mishap occurred just four laps from the end of the race.
Current discussions surrounding Red Bull’s technical performance are intensified after incidents like these as the FIA World Championship evolves. The source of this information highlights Verstappen’s current frustrations, directly pointing to recurring issues related to the rear wing of his RB22, thus underlining a critical area for the team to address moving forward.
Verstappen’s Frustration Over Wing Issues
Max Verstappen made his dissatisfaction with the RB22 clear over the team radio, expressing concerns regarding a compromised rear wing. Speaking after the race, he stated, “When the rear wing doesn’t close fully, you lose a lot of downforce and you spin off the track. One time, okay, but two times… This is becoming dangerous for myself.” Such commentary underscores the driver’s growing impatience with the vehicle’s reliability as he navigates the challenges of the championship.
Mekies Addresses Technical Failures at Silverstone
Team Principal Laurent Mekies expressed understanding for Verstappen’s discontent in the wake of the Silverstone incident. He acknowledged the discomfort drivers face when their cars fail at high speeds and assured that the team is committed to preventing the recurrence of such failures. Mekies remarked, “It is extremely unpleasant for drivers to be let down by the car in high-speed corners in two consecutive races, regardless of the reason behind it.”
Understanding the Root Cause of Failures
Addressing the different issues encountered in both races, Mekies stated, “We certainly understand what happened at the Red Bull Ring. However, from the early analysis of today, we have suffered a different type of failure.” This indicates an ongoing investigation into the technical aspects of the RB22, as the team seeks to leave “no stone unturned” in resolving the root causes of these performance errors.
The Future of Red Bull’s Rear Wing Concept
Throughout recent races, Red Bull has deployed its unique “upside-down” rear wing, a design that initially drew inspiration from Ferrari’s pre-season testing. Mekies confirmed a thorough review is on the agenda as they continue to assess this component’s effectiveness. Noting that the wing has been in use since the Miami race, he stated, “It’s too early in the analysis to establish whether it’s an issue with the concept, or something else.”
The SportiveNews view
This incident accentuates the pressing need for Red Bull to evaluate its car setup, particularly after consecutive failures. As Mekies admits, the repercussions are serious, and failing to rectify this could jeopardise Verstappen’s championship aspirations. A robust assessment process is important if Red Bull aims to regain their competitive edge in the ongoing season.
Frequently asked questions
What caused Verstappen’s crash at Silverstone?
The crash was attributed to issues with the rear wing, which reportedly failed to reattach properly, leading to a loss of downforce and ultimately causing Verstappen to spin off into the gravel trap.
How is Red Bull responding to these technical failures?
Team Principal Laurent Mekies has indicated that the team will conduct a thorough review of the car’s components to prevent future failures. The understanding from both incidents suggests a commitment to ensuring that driver safety and performance are prioritised.
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