Red Bull Addresses Rear Wing Controversy Ahead of Las Vegas Grand Prix

Red Bull Racing has faced a wave of rumors and speculation regarding their choice of rear wing configuration during the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. The incident arose after Max Verstappen, aiming to clinch the world title, and his teammate Sergio Pérez, encountered difficulties during the practice sessions. These issues were reportedly linked to Red Bull’s decision not to use a rear wing specifically designed for the Las Vegas circuit.

Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, acknowledged the team’s lack of a smaller rear wing compared to its competitors, despite the long straight line of the Las Vegas Strip favoring such a design. «We don’t have another rear wing, a smaller rear wing, as we see it on our competitors. It would be more helpful, for sure,» Marko told Autosport. He further clarified that flying a suitable wing to the circuit ahead of Friday’s qualifying was not an option.

Amid rumors that suggested Red Bull had forgotten to bring the correct equipment, team principal Christian Horner refuted such claims in statements to Sky F1. Horner emphasized that the team did not forget the rear wing, but rather chose to manage within budget constraints under F1’s cost cap. «Well you know it can happen… No, we did not forget a rear wing,» Horner commented. He added, «We don’t have a specifically designed wing for very low downforce, hence, the decision to trim existing wings for top speed.»

Despite the initial setback, Red Bull demonstrated improved performance during Friday’s final practice, with Verstappen achieving the fifth-fastest lap. Horner expressed cautious optimism, stating, «We’re okay. You’re running different engine modes and the whole world looks a lot different.»

Going into Saturday’s 50-lap race, Verstappen holds a 62-point lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings, with Red Bull positioned third in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing McLaren by 49 points.