Max Verstappen has confirmed that Red Bull Racing will introduce significant upgrades for their RB20 car at the upcoming United States Grand Prix. The new parts are expected to include a revised floor and front wing, aimed at boosting performance and helping the team close the gap to McLaren, who has recently taken control of the Constructors’ Championship. This upgrade is crucial as Red Bull aims to regain their competitive edge in the 2024 Formula 1 season.
McLaren’s recent successes have shifted the dynamics of the championship, with the team having overtaken Red Bull’s earlier lead. Following back-to-back wins in Azerbaijan and Singapore, McLaren has extended their advantage from eight points to 41 points in the Constructors’ standings. Lando Norris’s dominant performance in Singapore, where he finished 21 seconds ahead of Verstappen, underscores McLaren’s newfound strength and creates added pressure for Red Bull to respond effectively.
While Verstappen currently leads the Drivers’ Championship by 52 points over Norris, the gap has narrowed significantly in recent races. Norris has gained 26 points on Verstappen over the past four races, indicating a growing challenge for the reigning champion. As the season continues, Red Bull recognizes the urgency of enhancing their car’s performance to maintain their lead in the Drivers’ standings as well.
In anticipation of the race in Austin, Verstappen expressed optimism regarding the team’s preparations. He noted that the break from racing has provided an opportunity to refocus and work diligently on performance improvements. The adjustments made to the car are tailored to the specific demands of the Austin circuit, and Verstappen is hopeful that these changes will yield better results during the race weekend.
Despite the optimism, not all observers are convinced that Red Bull’s upgrades will be enough to catch McLaren. Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner expressed skepticism about the impact of the new components, questioning whether they could effectively close the performance gap. Nevertheless, Verstappen remains committed to fighting for the championship, emphasizing that Red Bull will continue to strive for improvements as they approach the latter part of the season.