P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull has been working on a McLaren-inspired brake bell configuration and cooling ducts that should be debuting soon
Max Verstappen is currently the main contender challenging the McLaren drivers in this year’s Formula 1 world championship, but Red Bull’s RB21 is lacking in race pace compared to McLaren. Efforts are underway at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes base to narrow the performance gap. Red Bull’s chief engineer, Paul Monaghan, highlighted McLaren’s advantage in cornering performance, particularly in dry conditions. Acknowledging the need for improvement, Monaghan emphasized enhancing low and medium-speed corner capabilities to benefit the RB21 significantly. Red Bull’s recent struggles, including a significant gap to McLaren and internal disruptions, have raised challenges during the RB21’s development. Red Bull introduced a minor upgrade in Miami to improve downforce and balance, forming part of a larger package set to debut gradually during the European races. The team’s focus lies on enhancing tyre management, a weak point for the RB21, particularly on rear-limited circuits and in hot conditions, contrasting McLaren’s stronger consistency in this area.
