How significant is Red Bull’s upgrade package for the United States Grand Prix? According to former team boss Günther Steiner, the answer to this question will determine whether the Austrian racing team can overtake rival McLaren in the constructors’ championship. However, the Italian is not overly optimistic about Red Bull’s chances and also makes a prediction about the further course of Max Verstappen’s title fight.
McLaren currently leads Red Bull by 41 points in the constructors’ championship. The Austrian racing team hopes that the upgrades for Austin, including an improved floor and modified front wing, will help bridge the gap to their British competitor. Former team boss Steiner, however, is pessimistic about Red Bull’s chances, even though the team has a few weeks before the Austin race to address the issues with the RB20.
“Everything is planned in advance,” Steiner explains in the Red Flags podcast. “I don’t think there’s an advantage, because what’s happening for Austin has already been developed. Of course, you can prepare better, but they are already very well prepared. If you have two or three weeks, I don’t think the level of preparation will be different.”
The Italian therefore believes that Red Bull’s success in Austin, and the last six Grands Prix of the season, depends on another factor. “I think the big question is: how big is this upgrade, this apparent magic floor coming to Austin, that’s going to help them catch up with McLaren?”
‘Max will keep fighting’
In Singapore, McLaren dealt a heavy blow to Red Bull, with Lando Norris crossing the finish line twenty seconds ahead of Verstappen. As a result, Steiner doesn’t see Red Bull overtaking the British racing team. “I don’t think it’s possible to overtake McLaren this year. McLaren is in a good position, but Max will fight to the end to hold onto the championship,” concludes the Italian.
