Max Verstappen-Red Bull Top Speed Leaves Charles Leclerc Scratching His Head

Red Bull has been dominant this season with a car that no other team has truly emulated until now. While other constructors are still trying to get used to FIA’s new regulations, Red Bull has nailed the formula for themselves. They struggled for a few races when the season began, but now they have one of the most reliable cars on the grid.

Moreover, RB18’s straight-line speed is terrifying for other drivers. The ease at which it overtakes others is simply remarkable. While some teams are still struggling with porpoising issues, others are just lacking the pace to be competitive. Then how did Red Bull crack the code so early in the season?

Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc on Red Bull’s speed

Red Bull’s speed on the straights has left even the best, like Sebastian Vettel dumbfounded. Currently sitting in 2nd position in the drivers’ standings, Charles Leclerc too complimented RB18’s pace in the second half of the straights.

As per Auto, Motor und Sport, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc said, “It’s not just about aerodynamics, there’s something mechanical behind it.” [Translated using Google]

Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel said that it was difficult to defend against the RB18. He said that the car just flies past on the straights.

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There was something that caught some Mercedes engineers’ eye. They said, “When stationary, the Red Bull has the greatest ground clearance at the rear and the lowest at high speeds.” 

Helmut Marko on Red Bull’s early season struggle and how they overcame it

Red Bull may be in a great position right now, but their season did not start as strong. In an interview given to ORF, Helmut Marko revealed Red Bull struggled with the car’s weight issues.

Marko said, “when we reduced the weight, two or three kilos per race, we saw improvements, along with a very intense development program. And we focused on the front of the car. Max needs a car that can attack the front, what happens with the rear doesn’t interest him that much.” [Translated using Google]

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Ferrari started the season on a strong note when Red Bull was struggling. Despite that, it is now Ferrari that is sitting in 2nd position behind Red Bull with a gulf of 137 points between them.

Helmut Marko took a dig at Ferrari on how the two cars developed as the season passed. He said, “Our car has gradually improved more and more, while Ferrari has shown technical defects, associated with driving errors of the drivers and the gap has become a comfortable advantage.”