Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has an idea why Red Bull is losing the development battle with McLaren and Mercedes. The German believes that Red Bull’s performance has dipped due to the departure of Adrian Newey, a key figure in the team. According to Schumacher, Newey’s successor, Pierre Waché, still has to prove himself.
Red Bull announced in May that Adrian Newey is in his final year with the Austrian team. The top British designer is leaving the Red Bull team after nineteen years. French engineer Pierre Waché has taken over the tasks of the British designer. Former F1 driver Schumacher believes this is why Red Bull is no longer performing at the same top level.
“It started right at the beginning of the season,” the former F1 driver said about Red Bull’s form. “One of the key men left the team and I think the successor has not yet been able to fill the gap. He still really has to prove himself when you look at the car.”
Schumacher Warns Red Bull
Especially close competitors McLaren and Mercedes have already closed the gap with Red Bull. The two teams are developing their cars faster than the Austrian team. Verstappen himself also said during the Grand Prix in Hungary that the updates brought by his team were “not good enough”.
“A few things have changed, the car is harder to drive. Both drivers are having a harder time, including Max Verstappen,” Schumacher also explains, offering a tip to the world champions. “Red Bull needs to come up with something. The wings are currently not that big.”
