'The way the front wings are being used are quite different' -Christian Horner acknowledges the "area" where competitors have outperformed Red Bull.

---

During a recent interview after the Dutch GP, Christian Horner, the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, openly acknowledged a significant issue that has hindered their performance relative to their rivals. He highlighted a specific "key area" where Red Bull has struggled with development in 2024, ultimately allowing both McLaren and Mercedes to surpass them in terms of overall performance.

Horner's candid admission sheds light on the challenges Red Bull has faced this season, particularly in comparison to their competitors. The team's inability to make substantial progress in this crucial aspect has been a major factor in their recent setbacks on the track.

The race at Zandvoort served as a stark reminder of Red Bull's current predicament, as McLaren demonstrated a superior pace that left Red Bull trailing behind. Lando Norris, piloting his MCL38, showcased exceptional performance by finishing a remarkable 22 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen, securing his second victory of the season.

As the Formula 1 season progresses, it will be imperative for Red Bull to address the identified shortcomings and implement strategic changes to regain their competitive edge against formidable opponents like McLaren and Mercedes. Christian Horner's acknowledgment of these challenges signals a proactive approach towards overcoming obstacles and striving for excellence in the highly competitive world of motorsport.

Horner believes that the front wing is the most crucial area that has impacted Red Bull the most. He mentioned that McLaren and Mercedes have adopted a different strategy in this regard, which has resulted in them being quicker.

He commented, “The way the front wings are being used are quite different. If you look at the front wing angle of McLaren and Mercedes, they’re very, very different. Very different to that rest of the grid.”,

Mercedes didn't show exceptional speed at the Dutch GP, but the Red Bull drivers couldn't keep up with the McLarens they were chasing. Norris outperformed Verstappen, and although Oscar Piastri didn't reach the podium, he did finish ahead of Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull.

This was significant as it narrowed the gap between them and Red Bull at the top of the standings to just 30 points. Considering the pace at which McLaren is gaining on Red Bull, they could potentially overtake them to claim the constructors' championship lead as soon as the US GP in October.

Despite this, Horner remains unconcerned. He is confident that Red Bull can regain their previous speed in the upcoming races.

Horner reflected on a time not long ago when the entire paddock was alarmed by Red Bull's dominance, with Verstappen winning races by over 20 seconds. However, McLaren demonstrated that turning the tables in the same season wasn't as challenging as it seemed.

“Well, it just shows that things can move very quickly… And then it can change very quickly, and that means it can change back the other way as well.”, Horner said

This weekend, the F1 season will proceed with the Italian GP, a race that Verstappen has claimed victory in for two consecutive years. Nevertheless, this time around, he is considered the second-favorite, as McLaren’s Norris is anticipated to outperform him.