As Formula 1 heads to the streets of Baku, Red Bull arrives with renewed confidence after rediscovering form in recent races. The team, which has a history of strong performances at this venue, seems to have turned a corner following Max Verstappen’s impressive win at Monza and his second-place finish at Zandvoort. Much of this revival stems from changes in how the team approaches race weekends, paired with the introduction of an updated floor that gave the RB21 fresh life in Italy.
Helmut Marko credited the resurgence not only to the floor update but also to the growing influence of Verstappen’s feedback. According to Marko, the engineers have shifted their focus from simulation models to trackside observations and the driver’s input. He emphasized that Verstappen’s expertise and instincts were crucial in guiding adjustments, particularly those that improved straight-line speed while still maintaining competitiveness against McLaren.
Last year, Monza exposed one of Red Bull’s greatest weaknesses when they lacked a circuit-specific wing, limiting setup flexibility and overall pace. This time, however, they brought a dedicated wing and further refined it during free practice. By increasing front wing angle and trimming the rear wing, Verstappen’s car achieved a balance of high straight-line speed and strong corner rotation. Adjustments between FP3 and qualifying helped tame instability, giving Verstappen a machine he could truly exploit.
The technical upgrades were subtle but impactful, especially with the redesigned underfloor. New floor fences and edges optimized airflow management, increasing ground effect and overall efficiency. Verstappen openly admitted he finally felt in control of the car rather than being “a passenger,” noting that the team’s experimental setups earlier in the season highlighted their struggles. Under Laurent Mekies’ guidance, who brought an engineering-first perspective, Red Bull began asking the right questions and refining their development path more effectively.
Looking ahead to Baku, the team faces the challenge of a track that combines the tight, twisty middle sector with an incredibly long straight—demanding both efficiency and downforce. The traits that served Verstappen well in Monza may prove decisive again. The question now is whether Red Bull’s revived momentum will continue on a circuit that pushes every aspect of a car’s performance to the limit.
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