P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull is continuing to develop its current F1 car deep into the season despite a major regulation change being on the horizon for 2026.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has acknowledged the potential consequences of their decision to further develop the RB21 challenger despite the focus shifting towards next year’s car. The team is continuing to introduce upgrades to their current car while competitors prioritize the 2026 entry under new technical regulations. Despite being a late challenger, Max Verstappen is trailing Lando Norris by only 36 points in the drivers’ championship. Mekies clarified that the late-season development will not directly impact the 2026 car but aims to benefit Red Bull in the long run. He emphasized the importance of understanding their recent performance dip to ensure improvements for upcoming races, following a disappointing third-place finish in Mexico City.
