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Max Verstappen defied expectations to clinch pole position at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. RacingNews365 technical expert Paolo Filisetti explains how Red Bull — and the Dutchman — achieved it.
Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with credit also due to the Red Bull engineers for their crucial work post-FP2 in reviving the struggling RB21 to top form.
Verstappen had highlighted grip and traction issues on Friday, prompting the team to adjust the downforce setup for stability without compromising straight-line speed on Yas Marina’s long straights.
The team’s effort to find a balance between downforce and top speed paid off, with Verstappen regaining confidence in the car by FP3, despite lingering understeer.
Maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and straight-line performance, Red Bull’s decision not to add extra front load before qualifying proved pivotal.
This success reflected the team’s strategic use of a rear-wing configuration with an aggressive flap angle, along with revised mechanical settings to maximize overall performance.
The rapid performance turnaround showcased Red Bull’s legacy of efficiency and ingenuity, rooted in the approach established by Adrian Newey and continued by the current technical leadership.
While Newey’s direct involvement has waned, his influence endures through the team’s technical department under Pierre Waché, together with trackside support from key figures like Paul Monaghan and Gianpiero Lambiase in Milton Keynes.
