Red Bull Remains Cautious Despite Recent Successes
Red Bull Racing is basking in the glory of Max Verstappen’s consecutive victories at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and Monza, yet team principal Laurent Mekies has dampened expectations of a team turnaround amidst rising competition from Mclaren. Following multiple strong performances, Mekies insists the squad is approaching each race with caution and a clear understanding of the challenges that lie ahead.
Mekies Keeps a Level Head After Recent Wins
Despite dominating races and Verstappen’s impressive performance—illustrated by a staggering 19-second lead over Lando Norris at Monza—Mekies remains grounded in his outlook. “We’re taking things race by race,” he affirmed, highlighting that while the RB21 showcased improvements, several weaknesses persist. This reality check comes as the team gears up for the Singapore Grand Prix, a track notorious for its challenges.
The Strengths and Weaknesses of the RB21
Recent Performance Insights
Mekies noted, “We saw some of the good stuff we found in Monza here again,” particularly in Baku’s slow-speed corners. However, he cautioned that different tracks present unique challenges, and their recent successes may not translate to upcoming circuits. The RB21’s performance still varies significantly in conditions that involve high temperatures or demanding downforce.
A Fragile Form
The team is aware of its fragility, especially after having its weaknesses exposed. Mekies pointed out previous races, saying, “We left Spa thinking McLaren was half a second faster than us.” The acknowledgment of McLaren’s prowess is a critical aspect of Red Bull’s strategy moving forward, as the team readies itself for the remaining races of the 2025 season.
Limited Development Ahead
Focus on 2026 Regulations
As the F1 landscape shifts towards 2026, most teams, including Red Bull, have limited the development of their current cars. Mekies confirmed that significant upgrades will be sparse, pushing the focus towards refining operational strategies and better utilizing driver feedback. “We do not think there is a silver bullet,” Mekies remarked, emphasizing that performance enhancements are a culmination of small details rather than a single fix.
Looking Forward: The Challenge of Singapore
As Red Bull heads to Singapore, Mekies acknowledges the track’s history of challenges for the team: “It’s important to see what suddenly doesn’t work there anymore.” Understanding these nuances will be pivotal as they strive to improve their RB21 and gauge their competitiveness against McLaren and others in the championship standings.
Conclusion: A Steady Path Ahead
While the recent successes have given Red Bull Racing a glimmer of hope, Mekies remains vigilant. With an 18-point gap separating them from second-placed Mercedes, the team is focused on comprehending the complexities of the RB21 as they keep an eye on securing their position in the constructors’ standings. As the season progresses, the path ahead is uncertain, but the team’s commitment to improvement remains unwavering.