P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull has revealed how the late-season update that eased the balance issues with the team’s 2024 F1 car came at an expense to the RB20’s ultimate “potential”.
Red Bull faced handling difficulties as they tried to counter McLaren’s mid-season improvement, with Verstappen finishing sixth at Monza and calling the RB20 a “monster.” The team then decided to scrap their original developments and introduced a revised floor during the autumn break, leading to Verstappen winning the title at the United States Grand Prix. However, Red Bull fell behind McLaren and Ferrari at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, indicating a change in their competitiveness in Formula 1. Red Bull’s Technical Director explained that modifications made the car more predictable but limited its potential, though they made progress in improving balance characteristics. Despite Verstappen’s excellence masking their struggles, a trip to Monza revealed the underlying balance issues within the team, prompting a rethink in their approach to development.
