Red Bull has dismissed the opinion that Max Verstappen is “flattering” its RB20 car’s competitiveness since rival teams have caught up in the 2024 Formula 1 season.
The Austrian outfit appeared to be on course to sustain another unchallenged campaign as it began the current term with three 1-2 finishes in the opening four races.
However, Red Bull’s dominance under this regulation era has come under threat in recent months as McLaren and a resurgent Mercedes have seized regular victories.
But although McLaren has closed to 42 points behind Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship, Verstappen harbours a substantial 78-point lead over Lando Norris.
The Dutchman has continued to rack up vital points despite Red Bull’s setback, but Sergio Perez has endured a plight which has comprised 28 points in seven rounds.
With Perez languishing in the midfield as his team-mate continues to fight alone at the sharp end, there have been debates over how competitive the Red Bull RB20 is.
Red Bull Chief Engineer Paul Monaghan, though, thinks it would be a disservice to the team’s relentless work to claim that Verstappen is exceeding the car’s potential.
“The work that goes into the car is unwavering,” Monaghan stated.
“I think, if we look back at last year, then if that’s about we set ourselves to have a modest lap time advantage everywhere and carry it through, then yeah, it’s getting a little bit tighter and Max might well reflect upon that.
“But, no, I don’t think Max is flattering it. If Max is pushing himself harder to get a race result because others are closer, that’s the nature of competition, isn’t it?”
Red Bull’s evaluation on Perez’s position ended with him being handed a reprieve as the squad is optimistic that he can recapture his form once the season resumes.
With Red Bull aiming to tailor development to ensure both drivers can unlock the RB20’s speed, Monaghan has backed Perez to regain his earlier-season momentum.
“I think Checo – it was lovely to see him go so well yesterday [qualifying in Belgium], he was on scrubbed tyres and set a time, wallop, right up there in Q3,” he added.
“Wonderful for him, and wonderful for the team. I saw, yesterday, in the debrief the driver that was settled in himself, and it’s good for him.
“There are many detractors, and the only person who could rescue it was him, and he did. I thought it took a great deal of courage to go out in a wet qualifying and do that.
“So, hopefully, he takes great solace from that and maintains it. He can drive it too, don’t worry. None of them are slouches when they reach this level!”
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