Red Bull Racing is in the process of investigating the recent failures of the rear wing of Max Verstappen‘s car, after the Dutch driver was involved in accidents over the past two racing weekends. Although Verstappen has stated that each incident was caused by different factors, the situation has raised concerns within the team.
After an accident in Spielberg, where Verstappen went off track at the end of Q3, the team managed to identify the cause of the problem. However, in the following race, another incident occurred with a different failure of the rear wing that the team had not anticipated. This concern has heightened as the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps approaches, where vehicle speeds are at their maximum.
Complete system review
The design of Red Bull’s rear wing is particularly innovative due to its active aerodynamic system, and has been compared to other designs such as that of Ferrari. Although the aim of the design is to reduce drag, safety is the highest priority for the team and the FIA, which has been involved throughout the design process.
The team’s technical director, Pierre Wache, has stated that the investigation into the incidents will be conducted with great seriousness. “We will review the entire area to ensure that there is no possibility of repeating these errors,” affirmed Laurent Mekies.
Competition options for Spa
Red Bull is considering whether it will be safe to compete with the active wing at Spa. If doubts about its reliability persist, the team may choose to revert to a more conventional rear wing model, a decision that would imply a setback in aerodynamic efficiency and performance.
This dilemma is particularly delicate, as the Spa circuit demands efficient energy management, an area where Red Bull has faced challenges this season. A third accident would be an unsustainable situation for the team, considering Verstappen’s complaints about the car’s issues.
While Red Bull assesses the situation, McLaren has taken a more cautious approach. The British team presents a new wing design but has decided not to use it until they feel fully prepared. The upcoming Belgian Grand Prix will be a decisive test for both Red Bull and McLaren.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
