Red Bull Racing left the Formula 1 Dutch GP with more questions than answers about their current performance. Team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged that his team seems to have lost performance during the August break.
Read more F1: Mercedes seeks answers after Antonelli’s drop in performance in the Netherlands
The scenario in Zandvoort was particularly difficult for the team, which fell behind Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari. Max Verstappen retired on the first lap after losing the rear of the car and crashing heavily into the barrier, while Liam Lawson finished only seventh, more than a minute behind the top three.
Mekies did not hide his frustration with the performance shown on the category’s return: “In terms of performance, there’s nowhere to hide. It was a very difficult weekend,” said the Red Bull boss, before admitting that the team seems to have taken ‘a small step backward’ compared to the period before the break.
The director explained that the team now needs to discover the origin of the performance loss. According to Mekies, it is necessary to evaluate whether competitors were simply more efficient in developing their cars, or if some specific factor limited Red Bull in Zandvoort: “So that will be our job over the next two weeks, before we fight together in Monza,” he added.
Read more F1: Ocon criticizes rule that changed his race at the Dutch GP
The situation could offer an opportunity in the next GP, as Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli will change his power unit and receive a grid penalty. Still, Mekies indicated that the potential advantage might be smaller than it seems, due to the greater overtaking possibilities at the Italian circuit.
Even with the current sporting disappointment, the main relief for Red Bull was Verstappen’s physical condition after the accident in Zandvoort: “The most important thing is that Max is okay,” Mekies emphasized. “It was quite a strong crash, and we are all happy to see him get out of the car unharmed, and that’s what matters most,” he added.
Read more F1: Vasseur points out errors that cost Ferrari a podium at the Dutch GP
