Verstappen reveals hidden factor in Red Bull’s F1 recovery

Red Bull has surprised friend and foe alike – and even Max Verstappen himself – with second place during the Formula 1 qualifying in Miami. Whereas Verstappen did not even make it into Q3 in Japan, he has now secured a front-row start for Sunday’s race.

When it was pointed out that those who bet on Verstappen starting on the front row must have made a lot of money, the four-time world champion joked: “Yes, and I bet on that myself as well!”

In a more serious tone, Verstappen added: “Of course I didn’t expect this either. The goal for this weekend was to get a bit closer to the top three teams, but normally that would still mean P7 on the grid. So, it went a lot better than expected in this qualifying session.”

During the post-qualifying press conference, Verstappen had already indicated that the major turnaround is not only due to upgrades. He explained that he also feels much more comfortable in the RB22 and is able to push considerably more than during the first three race weekends.

When asked by Autosport in the Dutch media session what that is mainly down to, Verstappen explained: “Most of it is in the steering system, where something was clearly wrong before. They have finally been able to fix that, so now I can at least steer normally again.”

The obvious follow-up question is why Red Bull did not discover this earlier. “Well, I already said from the very first lap in the Barcelona test that something was wrong with the steering, but apparently it was very difficult to find. Now it’s finally been fixed.”

Max Verstappen will start on the front row in Miami

Photo by: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

When noted that it is, in a way, one of the basics, Verstappen continued: “Yes, but it was not as simple as it seems. You think about the steering wheel, but a lot of things come together, also in terms of aerodynamics. In the end, the whole suspension is designed to be aerodynamically optimal as well, so there are always a lot of complicating factors involved.”

During the spring break, Red Bull was finally able to pinpoint the issue. Autosport understands that Red Bull has changed the complete steering rack and also all the supporting components to make sure that all potential causes were addressed.

Verstappen immediately felt the difference during his filming day at Silverstone, and that trend has continued in Miami.

It has played a significant role in the turnaround, although Verstappen emphasises that its effect is not greater than that of the upgrades themselves. “No, but this does make it more comfortable for me and therefore I have a bit more feeling in the steering.”

The confirmation Red Bull badly needed

Aside from that, Red Bull has taken a huge step with the upgrade package, which includes heavily revised sidepods, a new floor and its own version of the Macarena wing.

The fact that Red Bull has closed the gap to the front of the field by around one second compared to Japan is all the more remarkable given that other teams – such as McLaren and Ferrari – have also introduced significant upgrades.

Max Verstappen says the step forward is "really good" for Red Bull

Photo by: Chris Graythen / Getty Images

Verstappen added that Red Bull could really use this step, also from a mental perspective. “Sometimes you need that. After the first three races, this is obviously really good for us.”

The Dutchman also sees it reflected in the mood within the team.

“Yes, but that’s normal. If you don’t get it right in the first few races, then have a month’s break and come back with a big upgrade package, you obviously hope it works. When it works well, it always gives confidence.

“It’s the same as when you’re playing football and suddenly start scoring goals in the games. That also gives a confidence boost. You can show things in training, but it also has to be confirmed in matches.”

The progress comes after the announcement that Gianpiero Lambiase will leave the team in 2028. That departure is not an isolated case and fits into a broader pattern of key figures who have left Red Bull in recent years, as team boss Laurent Mekies also openly acknowledged.

In that respect as well, Verstappen confirmed that it is important for Red Bull to show that it can still turn around a difficult situation.

“I never had any doubts about the team, but of course you do think, ‘okay, I’m curious what the effect will be when a really big upgrade comes’. And now that upgrade has worked well. Of course we’re not there yet, but this is definitely a step in the right direction.”