Max Verstappen THREATENING New INVESTIGATION after ILLEGAL Cars got EXPOSED at Las Vegas GP!
The Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend has barely begun, yet it has already ignited significant drama, both on and off the track. From unexpected technical challenges to controversies surrounding newly issued FIA directives, the highly anticipated event is shaping up to be a spectacle filled with intrigue and tension.
Thursday’s practice sessions set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable race. In a surprising turn of events, Lewis Hamilton dominated both sessions, clocking a 1:33.825 on soft tires in FP2 and leaving his rivals scrambling to catch up. Lando Norris in his McLaren trailed closely by just 0.011 seconds, showcasing McLaren’s impressive pace. Meanwhile, Ferrari slotted into fourth and fifth positions, maintaining their competitive edge. The shock of the day, however, came from Red Bull, whose drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez found themselves languishing in 17th and 19th places, respectively.
Red Bull’s unexpected drop in performance can be attributed to a rear-wing issue. The team inadvertently brought a less aerodynamic wing design to Las Vegas, hampering their speed on the straights. With GPS data revealing a deficit of up to 7 km/h compared to front-runners like Mercedes and McLaren, the team faces an uphill battle. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed the absence of a low-drag wing, stating, “We don’t have another rear wing—a smaller one would definitely be helpful.” Despite speculation about flying in replacement parts from their Milton Keynes headquarters, logistical hurdles make this unlikely.
Adding to the challenges, Red Bull appears to struggle with consistency, particularly on long runs. Marko highlighted tire degradation as a significant concern, admitting that while some laps were competitive, the rear tires quickly lost grip. Although he expressed optimism about improving single-lap performance, the long-run issues might hinder Red Bull’s race strategy.
Further complicating the weekend, the FIA has introduced a new technical directive targeting protective skid plates used to safeguard underbody skid blocks. The plates, implemented by approximately half of the grid, were deemed illegal following Red Bull’s protest. These components play a crucial role in ensuring cars can run at low ground clearances to maximize downforce without excessive wear on the skid blocks. Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren were among the teams reportedly employing this strategy.
The immediate enforcement of the directive has forced affected teams to adapt, potentially by raising their cars’ ride heights. This adjustment could compromise their lap times, particularly for teams with aerodynamics optimized for ultra-low ground clearance. Ferrari’s unsuccessful attempt to delay the directive’s implementation underscores the urgency of the issue and its potential impact on qualifying and race performance.
For Red Bull, the situation is precarious. Verstappen, poised to secure his fourth championship, now faces the possibility of a delayed celebration. The team’s struggles with their rear wing and tire wear, combined with their relatively clean record under the new directive, leave them playing catch-up. Conversely, Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari look poised to capitalize on Red Bull’s misfortunes.
Despite Red Bull’s challenges, Verstappen remains cautious but determined. He recently suggested that changes in rival teams’ tire management and racing speed deserve closer scrutiny, referencing past controversies. While McLaren has denied allegations of exploiting cooling gimmicks, the ongoing disputes underscore the fiercely competitive atmosphere in the paddock.
As the Las Vegas Grand Prix unfolds, all eyes will be on qualifying to see if Red Bull can salvage their weekend or if their rivals will consolidate their newfound advantage. One thing is certain: this weekend promises high-stakes drama, on and off the track. Will Verstappen’s championship celebration be postponed, or can Red Bull pull off a remarkable turnaround? Only time will tell.
