Red Bull Racing faces a significant setback at the Las Vegas Grand Prix after reportedly bringing the wrong rear wing specification, resulting in a performance deficit of over half a second on the straights. This miscalculation could have serious implications for their World Championship hopes and constructors’ standings.
Wrong Rear Wing Costs Red Bull Valuable Time
In the second practice session, Max Verstappen finished a shocking P17, while teammate Sergio Perez lagged behind at P19. Reports from Auto Motor und Sport reveal that the rear wing brought to Las Vegas creates excessive drag, costing the team approximately six-tenths of a second on the straights.
Efforts to fly in the correct rear wing from England were deemed impossible. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior advisor, confirmed:
“A smaller rear wing would be more helpful, for sure. But we don’t have another rear wing, as we see on our competitors.”
This leaves Red Bull at a clear disadvantage as their rivals, particularly McLaren and Ferrari, capitalize on more efficient setups.
Verstappen’s Championship Bid Gets Tougher
Despite a commanding 62-point lead, Verstappen’s quest for a fourth consecutive World Championship has become increasingly challenging. The Dutchman must ensure a minimum lead of 60 points after the final classification in Las Vegas to seal the title, but Red Bull’s drag-heavy car may hinder his efforts.
Junior Team VCARB Shows Improvement
The troubles extended beyond Red Bull’s senior team. The VCARB junior team struggled in the initial practice session, but driver Yuki Tsunoda bounced back, finishing inside the top 10 in FP2. Marko noted the team’s progress:
“They were completely off pace in P1 but made good improvements in P2. Yuki is showing promise, and the direction is positive.”
Constructors’ Championship Battle Heats Up
The Las Vegas GP holds critical importance for Red Bull’s constructors’ championship ambitions. Currently sitting in P3, they trail Ferrari by 13 points and leaders McLaren by 49 points. Closing this gap becomes even harder with their current setup issues.
What’s Next for Red Bull in Las Vegas?
With no immediate fix for the rear wing dilemma, Red Bull must optimize their existing setup for the remaining sessions. Their strategy for qualifying and race day will be pivotal as the team fights to salvage points and keep their championship hopes alive.
The Las Vegas GP is shaping up to be a crucial turning point in the 2024 Formula 1 season. Can Red Bull overcome their misstep in time, or will their rivals capitalize on their struggles? Stay tuned as the action unfolds under the glittering lights of Las Vegas.
