Red Bull heads into the Baku Grand Prix on a wave of renewed confidence after a string of encouraging results. Max Verstappen’s triumph at Monza, following a solid runner-up finish at Zandvoort, marked a turning point in the team’s campaign. The success was powered not only by a new floor design but also by a fresh approach to how the engineers and driver worked together trackside. This recalibration in teamwork has been central to Red Bull’s resurgence.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior advisor, credited Verstappen’s growing influence on the car’s direction. According to him, the engineers have become more receptive to the Dutch driver’s input, prioritizing his feedback alongside data rather than relying solely on simulations. That shift allowed Red Bull to focus on refining top speed and handling characteristics, particularly in Italy, where Verstappen comfortably pulled clear of McLaren. The dynamic between driver and team appears stronger than at any point earlier in the season.
Monza had been a problem venue for Red Bull in 2024, with the lack of a track-specific rear wing limiting performance and setup flexibility. This year, however, the team arrived better prepared. Verstappen’s car received a customized wing, further trimmed during practice, and when combined with additional front wing angle, the package produced both excellent straight-line speed and effective agility in corners. Although the balance initially created instability in high-speed sections, adjustments ahead of qualifying gave Verstappen a car he could trust.
The floor upgrade also played a major role, even if its changes were subtle. By reworking the floor’s geometry, fences, and edge designs, the team improved how air was managed beneath and around the car. This increased downforce efficiency, creating more stability and driveability. Verstappen himself admitted that, unlike earlier in the season, he no longer felt like a “passenger” behind the wheel. Instead, he described the last two race weekends as steps forward in finding a consistent and controllable setup.
With team principal Laurent Mekies’ engineering mindset guiding discussions, Red Bull has started asking sharper questions and taking more logical decisions about development. Verstappen believes this process of trial, error, and refinement has given them a clearer direction. As Formula 1 moves to Baku—a circuit with the unique challenge of combining Monaco-like corners with one of the longest straights on the calendar—the big question is whether Red Bull can maintain their upward momentum and replicate Monza’s winning formula.
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