In Imola, Max Verstappen is set to compete with an upgraded RB20.
Bringing a new front wing and floor to Imola, Max Verstappen has quashed suggestions Red Bull are reacting to McLaren’s victory as the new package was “already planned” long before Miami.
In a direct confrontation following a Safety Car restart, Lando Norris secured victory at the Miami Grand Prix, dealing Red Bull their second loss of the season. Racing with a significantly modified MCL38 equipped with 10 fresh components, Norris emerged triumphant.
Max Verstappen: Upgrades were already in the pipeline
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher
Max Verstappen conceded on the day that McLaren had the faster car.
However, in a season where momentum shifts are expected due to various developments, Red Bull is now taking the opportunity to enhance their car by introducing two significant components at Imola – a fresh front wing and floor.
According to Verstappen, the plan was not a reaction but a preconceived strategy.
“He informed the media, including PlanetF1.com, stating that it’s not responding. These matters have already been meticulously arranged in advance.”
“We don’t scramble to put something together when one team brings upgrades. They are already in the pipeline, ready to go.”
Although we are currently satisfied with our progress, it is essential to continuously strive for improvement. This is because the teams competing against us are undoubtedly making significant advancements.
“If you observed the situation in Miami, it is evident that when we fail to achieve perfection, they gain an advantage, so we must strive to minimize such occurrences.”
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What can Red Bull expect from their Imola upgrade?
McLaren, after securing victory at the Miami Grand Prix with a comfortable seven-second lead, expressed their belief that this triumph might only mark the beginning. They anticipate that their forthcoming upgrade will prove even more advantageous at circuits other than the Miami Autodrome.
Verstappen says it remains to be seen if Imola will be one such circuit.
He said that McLaren has introduced a significant upgrade, and its effectiveness will only be revealed here. However, it usually takes some time to fully understand and take advantage of such upgrades, but this was already expected.
“I’m saying, those small details can often have a significant impact on lap times.”
In my opinion, particularly on a circuit like Miami, the conditions are extremely sensitive due to the intense heat. Even a slight amount of excessive sliding can result in a significant loss of lap time.
Ferrari is joining McLaren and Red Bull in introducing upgrades, as they plan to bring a Red Bull-inspired SF-24 to the Imola track.
Verstappen believes that as the cars align more with the Red Bull philosophy, achieving perfection is crucial in order to secure a victory. Red Bull has already lost two wins this season, compared to just one loss last year.
“Did our success arise from doing everything right, or was it due to others doing things wrong?” he pondered about the year 2023. “Perhaps it’s the opposite? Determining the true cause is always quite challenging.”
“However, it is essential to consistently strive for excellence, even though it may not be feasible at all times.”
“I mean, it’s unrealistic to expect every single weekend to go perfectly. That’s just not possible. However, we always aim for perfection, even though sometimes things turn out slightly better. Unfortunately, Miami was not one of those successful instances.”
“As others began to enhance and mimic our car’s appearance, it naturally brought them closer to our level of improvement.”
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