Red Bull Racing faces technical challenges and handling issues as the opening practice sessions of the Free Practice Sessions, prompting an all-nighter for adjustments in hopes of boosting performance against strong rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari.Red Bull have taken 100 wins – but their future could be brighter than their past
Red Bull Racing’s struggles during the early practice sessions of the Spanish Grand Prix were difficult as the team grappled with handling issues that plagued both drivers, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. These challenges brought back memories of the troubles the team encountered at the Imola circuit, hinting at a recurring problem that could affect their season’s prospects.
Verstappen, driving the RB20, was vocal about the car’s difficulties, managing only the fifth-fastest time, while Perez lagged behind significantly, finishing 13th. These outcomes illustrate the extent of the difficulties facing Red Bull as they strive to remain competitive against their close rivals, McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari.
Former Formula 1 driver and current analyst Karun Chandhok pointed out the critical nature of the situation.
“They will have someone in the simulator for 10 or 11 hours overnight,” Chandhok elaborated during the Sky Sports F1 broadcast. He recalled a similar incident at Imola where, after a long stint in the simulator by Sebastien Buemi, Verstappan dramatically improved to capture pole position: “That’s what happened at Imola. They were nowhere on Friday, Sebastien Buemi did 11 hours overnight, then Max got p
ole.”
