Horner responds firmly: 'Nothing to do with the technical directive'
16:58, 16 Sep 2023
4 Comments
Team boss Christian Horner has responded after Red Bull Racing experienced their worst day of the 2023 Formula 1 season. Their 100% winning record in 2023 now seems heavily in doubt as both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez failed to reach Q3. Horner denies that the pace delta was down to the technical directive introduced this weekend.
A Red Bull Racing car wasn't in Q3 for the first time since September 2018. Horner spoke to Sky Sports after the race and admitted his confusion at the sudden drop off in pace.
"It's very confusing to have dropped the amount of pace we have. The car is not responding to changes. Understeer, oversteer, braking issues. We haven't managed to get the tyre into the working window. When you see a gap that big, it's because the tyre isn't working. We've tried different things with set-up and preparations, but it's just not happened. A lot to understand tonight and to try and turn around," Horner explained.
No changes to RB19
Red Bull were challenged by Ferrari in Monza, but Verstappen ensured he got the record for the most consecutive wins in Formula 1 history. The Dutchman will have to pull a miracle to win again this weekend. Horner claims the car is identical to the RB19 which ran in recent weeks. This is despite TD018, a newly introduced technical directive by the FIA to limit the front and rear wing flexibility.
"The car we have here for qualifying is essentially the identical car to what we had two weeks ago in Monza and Zandvoort. No, [nothing to do with the technical directive], nothing has changed on the car. It’s a tried and tested set-up. It just hasn’t responded on this circuit, on this asphalt. We have an amazing team. We wouldn't have won every single Grand Prix without that. We'll get on top of these issues. We haven't written this weekend off yet," Horner said.
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Tire/fuel management. (Race pace)
Tends to have less of an impact here due to the high number of laps known to be run under safety car. But who knows
Let's wait for the race....race pace
Others may also do, but only saw it on the MB's.
The front wing was still flexing just like it did before. ?
Regarding RB's performance today. My theory is that it may have to do with the new surface.
We have seen the extraordinary tire management they had this season so far.
What if RB has elaborated an outstanding tire model, based on last year's surfaces data, that allows them through simulations, to get the car prepared perfectly for the weekend in advance.
But since in Singapore the surface is all new and therefore, all teams had to start on a blank sheet.
RB might struggle not being able to 100% rely on their calculus.
At least it's my only explanation should it not be the TD, nor the new floor.
Also interesting will be to see how the teams will get along with tire degradation in the race.
I thought they had a different floor, but Horner says it's the same as earlier. Toto doesn't seem to think the TD has a role in this as well, but for sure the conspiracy theorists will be out in full force. Very curious to see how the Bulls go tomorrow. Max likely to get some grid penalties as well, perhaps they can try something different.