The Formula 1 Chinese GP exposed a series of problems for Red Bull Racing, both on and off the track. The team, which is still looking to consolidate itself with its new Red Bull Powertrains-Ford power unit, faced a difficult weekend, and the team’s communication ended up leaving something to be desired.
Read more F1: Alonso retired from the Chinese GP due to discomfort caused by vibrations
Max Verstappen, even after a performance well below expectations, which culminated in a retirement in Shanghai, answered the press’s questions with patience, dedicating seven minutes to various journalists and TV broadcasters. The Dutch driver’s stance, however, contrasted with the absence of team principal Laurent Mekies, who did not attend the scheduled press session.
“The scheduled session with Mekies did not happen. Members of the press waited politely and left without explanation. Some journalists, when questioning the team, were informed that Mekies had already left to catch his flight, without accounting for what happened,” was reported by several members of the press present at the Chinese circuit.
The contrast with other top teams on the grid is evident. Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren always ensure a presence at press sessions, even in races where they face difficulties. Toto Wolff, Fred Vasseur, and Andrea Stella maintain this consistency, offering transparency to fans and the press.
Read more F1: Hamilton talks about battle with Leclerc and slight touch: «Just a little kiss»
The situation highlights that Red Bull Racing, in addition to facing technical difficulties with the car, which placed it behind its sister team, Racing Bulls, in the midfield, also deals with a level of amateurism in communication. Promises of greater openness and transparency, made after the departure of former team principal Christian Horner and his communication team, did not materialize in the face of the first significant setback of the new season.
This episode reinforces that the team still needs to adjust, both in technical development and in managing its image, to maintain its reputation as one of the main forces in Formula 1.
Read more F1: Norris regrets not being able to participate in the Chinese GP
