Red Bull engineer Pierre Waché explains why drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez are struggling to adapt to the RB20, compared to its predecessor, the RB19. Waché, who succeeded top designer Adrian Newey, discusses how Red Bull’s own success is currently proving to be a stumbling block for the team.
Red Bull claimed victory in seven out of the fourteen races in the first half of the season. Despite this being more than any other team, it’s a significant step back compared to 2023. Red Bull engineer Waché explains how the RB20, this season’s car, is an advancement compared to its predecessor, but doesn’t quite match the driving skills of Red Bull’s Verstappen and Pérez.
Red Bull’s High Expectations: A Double-Edged Sword?
“I think we set the bar a bit high and in some areas maybe too high,” Waché told PlanetF1. “This has led to some characteristics that were not designed for the drivers. The RB20 is a better car than the RB19, but perhaps we can do even better. To give the driver better tools to be able to fight.”
Furthermore, other teams, particularly McLaren and Mercedes, have made bigger strides than Red Bull. “Success does not only come from yourself. It also comes from the relative performances compared to others. Last year we were lucky that the others did not do as well as this year. I think that is also an aspect we need to take into account,” said the engineer.
Is Red Bull’s Own Success Standing in Its Way?
Red Bull won all the races in 2023, except for the Singapore Grand Prix. Carlos Sainz crossed the finish line first at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. According to Waché, the success of the RB19 has partly contributed to the current form dip. “The competition is fiercer and it is harder to be sure that the development of the previous concept gives us the best results. Especially with what we have (less, ed.) in terms of aerodynamic development time compared to others.” As the 2023 world champion, Red Bull gets the least time in the wind tunnel.
