Red Bull faces a defining moment as three pivotal races could decide both the team’s and Verstappen’s 2024 championship fate.
A decisive series of Grands Prix is now looming for Red Bull.
The team, whose recent dominance in Formula 1 has faded throughout the 2024 season, is launching a series of crucial upgrades this weekend in Austin.
The U.S. Grand Prix is the first in a triple header with Mexico and Brazil—leaving only three more races in the season.
Lando Norris is 52 points behind Max Verstappen, but if Red Bull doesn’t significantly improve from Austin onwards, the McLaren driver could truly become world champion.
“It would obviously be depressing if you had such a lead like Max’s and lost it at the very end,” said former F1 driver Timo Glock.
“A depressed Max Verstappen would be the worst-case scenario for Red Bull. I think he would then definitely look elsewhere for his future.”
“The next three races will certainly be decisive for the direction the world championship takes—especially for Max. They will also be somewhat crucial for his future.”
“Max is in talks with Aston Martin F1. Why not for 2026? And Mercedes shouldn’t be ruled out either. But he will likely have to wait until early 2025 to trigger an exit clause.”
The team’s advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, is optimistic, describing Monza as the “low point” from which Red Bull has been gradually recovering.
“Baku went a bit better, and Singapore saw a clear improvement.”
“We assume that the trend we observed in Singapore and Baku can continue. A few changes could bring about the necessary turnaround.”
With so much at stake, Red Bull is not only focusing on improving its own car but also on weakening or destabilizing McLaren. After the FIA recently took action against McLaren’s “mini DRS” rear wing, Red Bull is now targeting their front wing.
“The most dangerous thing now is their flexible front wing,” admits Marko.
“The front wing works with everything—the floor, the rear wing, everything.”
He laments that the FIA has yet to take any action regarding McLaren’s front wing.
“It’s impossible for them to pass the tests, but then the camera shows something entirely different happening during the runs. Yet, the FIA doesn’t want to change the rules before 2025.”
Marko also stated that it’s fundamentally too late for Red Bull to simply copy McLaren’s wing.
“On one hand, it’s about the world championship, but on the other, 2025 is just around the corner. I don’t think anyone will drastically alter their cars with next year so close.”
“It’s crucial that we move in the right direction and correct past mistakes.”
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Red Bull’s Last Stand: Three Races to Define 2024 Red Bull’s Last Stand: Three Races to Define 2024