Hypothetically, if Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda secured first and second positions in every remaining grand prix and sprint event of the 2025 Formula 1 calendar, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris experiencing retirements, Red Bull would still be unable to surpass McLaren in the constructors’ standings. However, Verstappen retains a possibility, however improbable, of clinching the drivers’ title.
With this objective, Red Bull has persistently introduced enhancements to the RB21, notably a revised front wing configuration in Singapore, before transitioning entirely to the novel car mandated for 2026. Exclusively Verstappen possesses the updated design this weekend.
“The vehicle exhibits improvements,” Red Bull’s principal engineer, Paul Monaghan, conveyed to select media outlets, including Autosport, during the FIA’s obligatory ‘show and tell’ technical briefing in Singapore.
“The subsequent inquiry is whether we can challenge the established hierarchy from high-downforce circuits and pursue victory. We shall endeavor, observing our progress. It should present a degree of enhancement. The inquiry pertains to the extent of said enhancement?”
While Verstappen’s consecutive triumphs in Monza and Baku may imply an upward trajectory in performance, these were both low-downforce circuits, thereby concealing certain perceived inadequacies of the RB21. Circuits necessitating greater downforce – such as Singapore – have exposed Red Bull’s vulnerabilities concerning drag efficiency, a characteristic the team encountered with the RB20 and endeavored to mitigate in the RB21 – initially without success.
On high-downforce tracks, Red Bull’s car has demonstrated greater drag and reduced stability compared to its McLaren counterpart, undergoing erratic balance variations throughout diverse cornering phases at elevated speeds. The team’s emphasis throughout this season has centered on achieving, with utmost expediency and without impeding 2026 development, the objectives initially outlined for the year’s commencement.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Mohd Rasfan – AFP – Getty Images
The introduction of a novel floor at Silverstone, subsequent to an additional package incorporated at Belgium encompassing a revised front wing and sidepod modifications, unlocked novel developmental avenues achievable with relative cost-effectiveness and expedited production prior to the 2026 project commandeering manufacturing resources.
The updated floor for Monza represented the ultimate significant component necessitating extended lead times. Contemporary observations likely stem from approvals granted promptly following the summer recess, coinciding with the team’s refinement of its high-downforce front wing for Zandvoort.
Considering the front wing’s visibility, Red Bull is obliged to articulate the rationale behind the alteration within the FIA technical document disseminated preceding the event. The revised geometry is described as “further research to augment the camber of select wing segments to extract amplified load while preserving flow stability”.
“We anticipate extracting marginally enhanced lap times,” Monaghan clarified. “It embodies a subtle modification. However, subsequent to the preceding iteration’s release [for Zandvoort], supplementary evidence surfaced, suggesting, ‘Conceivably, we could execute this, and we could execute that.’
“With limited capacity available, we proceeded to affirm its feasibility and sanctioned its implementation. It is projected to be the ultimate enhancement for this year. There may be flap adjustments for Vegas or analogous locations, as typical. Nevertheless, it symbolizes a modest performance enhancement, facilitated by remarkable factory endeavors, and we have it available here.
“The manufacturing division is in a state of, if not suspended activity, wherein the 2026 car has not yet consumed their resources, thereby affording a brief opportunity to undertake this endeavor – a testament to their exceptional efforts – which they promptly executed.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images
With no further novel components anticipated beyond circuit-specific adjustments, the emphasis now rests upon the trackside personnel to maximize the potential of the updated package. Verstappen’s enthusiasm for the current season has been rekindled by his victories in Monza and Baku, necessitating the team’s sustainment of this impetus.
Singapore remains the singular venue where Verstappen has yet to secure victory. The central question revolves around the cumulative impact of the subtle enhancements yielded by the recent updates in bolstering Red Bull’s competitiveness at this venue; performance must exceed that demonstrated in Zandvoort, the preceding high-downforce circuit on the calendar, where Verstappen could not match the race pace exhibited by the two McLarens.
“A notable confidence surge, perhaps a form of reassurance, would be derived from a strong showing here,” Monaghan remarked. “Conversely, underperformance will not precipitate resignation or a presumption of inefficacy upon arrival in Austin. Our approach to Austin will remain steadfast, predicated on the pursuit of victory.
“A myriad of scenarios may unfold here – Turn 1 may witness unexpected collisions. Recall the footage depicting Seb [Vettel]’s arrival accompanied by a pair of Ferraris [in 2017], an epitome of pandemonium.
“Our unwavering commitment lies in maximizing our performance here, extracting the utmost potential from the car, with Max and Yuki contributing their utmost, and Austin, transpiring in two weeks, will be approached with identical resolve. We shall simply strive for victory and await the resultant outcome.”
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– The Autosport.com Team
