Why a wet Australian Grand Prix gives Red Bull a false sense of security

As usual, Max Verstappen wasn’t particularly talkative during the FIA-organised press conference. Even when asked about the weather, he kept his response brief and general. The question was whether he was hoping for a rain-soaked race at Albert Park in Melbourne.

"No, I mean actually, I was like it to be dry because it's just nicer. Also, for the fans. But if it's wet, it's wet. It's fine as well, but I don't know how we will perform in the dry or the wet at the moment, you know, so it's a bit difficult to say," Verstappen told international media, including GPblog.

Much is still unclear about Red Bull's RB21

There’s no doubt that Verstappen is currently the best wet-weather driver in Formula 1—the last Brazilian Grand Prix was the latest proof of that. However, even he admits he doesn’t yet know how the RB21 will perform in the rain. Can he replicate last year’s dominance with Red Bull’s new car, or will the machine simply not be suited to wet conditions?

Moreover, Verstappen is thinking long-term. A win in a wet Melbourne would be nice, but if the car struggles against the McLarens in dry conditions on Friday and Saturday, it could be a hollow victory. His focus is on the world title, and he won’t let a win in extraordinary, unrepresentative conditions give him a false sense of security.

Additionally, from a development standpoint, a dry race could actually benefit Red Bull, even if they don’t take the win. These are the moments when valuable insights about the RB21 can be gathered—crucial for improving the car throughout the rest of the season.

Still, a victory in wet conditions would be warmly welcomed by Verstappen and his team. After all, if there’s one thing a win is always good for, it’s boosting morale within the Austrian squad.

This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon

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