Formula 1: Red Bull Attributes Ongoing Performance Issues to Wind Tunnel Challenges with RB21

New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) Red Bull Racing has acknowledged that ongoing technical difficulties, particularly related to their wind tunnel correlation, are the cause of the performance slump that has affected the team since late 2024.

Team principal Christian Horner has confirmed that discrepancies between simulation tools and actual track data have created a fundamental disconnect in car development, hindering both Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda from maximizing performance with the RB21.

Despite Verstappen being a mere eight points behind current championship leader Lando Norris, the reigning champion has faced challenges with a car that demonstrates inconsistency and reliability issues in critical areas. In Bahrain, Verstappen finished sixth, a daunting 34 seconds behind race-winner Oscar Piastri, even with a late safety car that compressed the field.

Horner has highlighted the core issue: the team’s wind tunnel—a vital asset in F1 development—is not accurately reflecting on-track performance. "I think the problems are understood. The issue is that the solutions derived from our tools do not align with the data we are observing on the track at the moment," Red Bull's team principal Horner stated, as reported by Sky Sports.

"We need to resolve this. Why are our tools not showing what we observe on the circuit? This disconnect necessitates a thorough investigation."

Red Bull had been dominant in the early stages of the 2024 season, yet they have since experienced a significant drop, securing only two victories in the latter half of last year. Their 2025 season has continued on a tumultuous path, with only Verstappen’s exceptional performance in Suzuka salvaging a win from an evidently inferior package.

Horner also noted that Red Bull will be stuck with their existing wind tunnel until 2027, as their new facility is still two years away. In the interim, their engineers must navigate what he described as a “mishmash” of inconsistent data. As car performance stagnates, Red Bull’s inadequate tire management and limited corner entry grip have become glaring weaknesses, particularly compared to McLaren and Mercedes.

"Then you end up with a mishmash between what your tools are telling you and what the track data is," he added.

"It’s crucial to identify where the weaknesses lie. The challenge we face is that we are at the end of a regulation cycle where gains are minimal. We are observing shortcomings in our current tunnel that struggle in that context."

Both Verstappen and Tsunoda have found it challenging to push the car to its limits without overheating the tires or experiencing balance shifts mid-corner. Tsunoda, who has exceeded expectations early in 2025, remarked after Japan that the RB21 “felt different” from the simulator, emphasizing the feedback gap Red Bull is currently facing.

To complicate matters further, Verstappen’s long-term contract includes performance-related exit clauses, and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has expressed “great concern” regarding the Dutchman’s future with the team. With Ferrari and Mercedes reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation, Red Bull’s inability to swiftly implement fixes could open the door for a major shift in the driver market.

Horner remains hopeful that they can navigate through these challenges, stating: "It’s clear we understand what the problem is. It’s about executing the solution," said Horner.

"So it’s the entry phase to the mid-corner that he [Verstappen] is addressing, providing him the necessary grip and confidence to carry speed into the corners. Fundamentally, this is an aero issue that we need to resolve to offer him that grip.

"We need to dissect it, as it results in significant balance shifts. Understanding how these cars interact with the front and back wings is crucial. It’s about dissecting all of that and essentially stabilizing the car."