Over the years, many bizarre metaphors have been developed to allow professionals to better explain the dynamics of the world of Formula 1. Metaphors such as that of the ‘blanket’, generally used to explain the work carried out by technicians on single-seaters, also find application in other areas outside the world of motorsport, but are useful for understanding the difficulties of teams in always performing at high levels.
Of Ferrari, for example, it is said that always has a ‘blanket’ that is too short. That is, just as it tends to recover some’ performance in a specific area, it quickly discovers another and eventually a compromise is reached that looks like a bed with the blanket close to the edges, which only needs a slight passage of air to upset the situation.
We invented a new metaphor to explain what has been happening at Red Bull for about three years now. A theory, a thought, that could find your approval as well as your dissent.
Verstappen and the tuxedo theory
Max Verstappen is definitely a driver who needs no introduction. Four-time world champion, innate talent, person of great determination and very, very passionate about motorsports. The Dutchman loves racing and has done his passion full time, 24 hours a day. He never rests, competes in Formula 1 and in his free time competes in other competitions, both online and lately also in real life (in September he also competed at the Nordschleife, winning an Endurance race, at the wheel of the Ferrari 296 GT3).
Verstappen is a champion of unquestionable ability. He always manages to drive the car over the limit and for this reason Red Bull, according to one of our theories, has progressively decided to create a tailor-made car for him in order to significantly increase his chances of victory. This was due to the entry into force of the budget cap, which significantly reduced funding, and because no driver, not even Perez, was able to come close to his performance.
If we take a step back, it is not surprising that Sergio Perez's biggest problems began immediately after the introduction of the budget ceiling. The team chose between making many very focused developments and developments, rather than making few, but this required further research because they were meant to be a compromise between the needs of the two driversIt is also no coincidence that Red Bull is among the teams that make the most developments during a season.
Obviously after Perez the situation became disastrous and, according to the writer, with Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull, this season, tried to take a step back to evaluate the possibility of changing strategy. If we look at Australia, China and Japan, in the first three rounds Max achieved a victory and a second place, while Lawson remained dry in the first two and the Japanese scored a zero in his home race, showing a big gap.
Red Bull in Bahrain may have been trying to straighten the shot, veering into a somewhat’ car better suited to Yuki. However, this could have greatly penalised Verstappen, finishing sixth 34’’ behind the leader (Piastri), with Tsunoda managing to finish ninth ‘only’ 11 seconds behind his teammate. The game wasn't worth the candle. So they retraced their steps allowing Max to fight for the victory in Jeddah (Piastri won) and win in Imola. Tsunoda finished 34’’ behind Max in Miami and 26’’ behind Imola. It must be said, however, that the Safety Car intervened in Italy on lap 46° due to Antonelli's stop for technical reasons.
The team, however, may have tried to give Tsunoda the opportunity to perform better than a ninth and tenth place every now and then. So, again according to the writer, he tries to support him again in Spain. Weekend where Max finished tenth and the Japanese 13°7 seconds apart. Final test in Hungary, in which the Dutchman placed ninth, with a score of 72’’.5 from the top. The last one not to be voiced.
All this preamble, to get to the tuxedo theory: Verstappen is a very strong driver at the wheel of a car tailor-made for him. While all the other drivers on the grid find themselves driving a car designed to be fast with both drivers, Red Bull is the home tailor who makes your tailor-made suit. It's as if the other drivers are going to a party wearing a dress that two people will wear. There will be the one who will give life, the one whose socks can be seen and another who will seem to be in a cast because he can't move his shoulders.
Max is the only one of the 20 drivers invited to the Formula 1 party who could, because let's remember, ours is simply a theory, have a suit, a tailor-made tuxedo. Obviously it's not enough to go to the tailor's shop to be the best among those present. Verstappen has great qualities of his own and Red Bull does nothing but exalt them.
Photo: Red Bull Racing
Read also in italian version: Verstappen, il pilota con lo smoking su misura
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