Red Bull is evaluating its rear wing strategy after Verstappen’s complaints regarding performance deficits in low downforce races. The team may not prioritise a custom design for 2025 due to budget constraints linked to ongoing commitments for the 2026 car. Technical director Pierre Wache acknowledged the need for careful consideration to ensure any updates genuinely enhance the car’s performance.
Red Bull is considering its options after Max Verstappen expressed concerns about the lack of a dedicated low-drag rear wing for better performance at low downforce circuits like Monza and Las Vegas. Despite this, the team’s technical director, Pierre Wache, indicated that developing a bespoke design may not be feasible in 2025 due to the budget cap and the ongoing resource commitment to the 2026 car project. Wache acknowledged Verstappen’s frustrations but emphasised the need for a careful assessment of any new designs, stating that not all alternatives will guarantee improved performance.
Verstappen, who secured his fourth consecutive title in Las Vegas, noted the impact of the team’s decisions on race outcomes, suggesting that without a suitable rear wing, they were at a disadvantage during critical races. He highlighted that the upcoming rule changes could influence how much effort is put into rear wing development for the remaining year.
While Red Bull trimmed its existing rear wing for those races, it ultimately yielded subpar results owing to the resulting compromises on car performance. Wache stated, “It is not because you have a different shape than the other teams that it is worse” and encouraged an approach that prioritises identifying genuinely advantageous designs over simply following competitors’ choices.
The article discusses Red Bull Racing’s strategy regarding rear wing design for the 2025 Formula 1 season, prompted by Max Verstappen’s remarks on the limitations faced in Monza and Las Vegas due to a lack of specialised low-drag wings. Red Bull’s difficulties at these circuits stem from a previous decision not to develop a dedicated design, leaving them vulnerable to performance loss. The team is now weighing the implications of budget constraints and upcoming regulations on future developments, reflecting a cautious but open-minded stance.
Red Bull Racing is reconsidering its wing design strategy in light of Verstappen’s concerns, focusing on effective resource allocation within budget caps. While Verstappen feels the absence of a dedicated low-drag wing cost them valuable race performance, Red Bull remains open to finding the best solutions without sacrificing overall speed. The team is committed to a thorough evaluation of their options as they prepare for the final year under the current regulations before transitioning to new designs in 2026.
Original Source: www.autosport.com