Red Bull Prioritizes Verstappen's Driver Feedback Over Simulator Data

Red Bull Racing is increasingly prioritizing Max Verstappen's direct feedback over raw simulator data, a shift highlighted by top advisor Helmut Marko. This change reflects a more open technical team approach, valuing the triple world champion's unique experience.### Why it matters:This evolution in Red Bull's engineering philosophy underscores the critical role a driver of Verstappen's caliber plays in car development, especially as the team navigates competitive shifts and prepares for significant rule changes in 2026.### The big picture:Helmut Marko confirmed that Red Bull engineers are now more attuned to Verstappen's insights."The engineers are listening more to the driver," Marko told GPblog. "If you have such a fast and experienced driver, I think that's the right way." He added that the technical team is "more open to discussing things, and they are not blindly taking what the simulation says." This driver-centric approach has already contributed to improvements, notably in top speed.### The backdrop:This operational shift aligns with a broader internal evolution following Christian Horner's departure and Laurent Mekies' arrival. Marko has previously praised Mekies for fostering a new atmosphere and bringing top-level technical acumen, which he believes is essential for success in modern Formula 1.### What's next:Laurent Mekies' integration is seen as pivotal for Red Bull's future. His efforts in enhancing communication between technical staff and Verstappen, and optimizing practice sessions, contribute to a more promising outlook for 2026. The team's rapid responsiveness to competitiveness issues observed over recent race weekends suggests they can quickly adapt to challenges.The 2026 season also marks Red Bull's debut as an engine manufacturer alongside Ford, a monumental undertaking that demands maximum effort from the Austrian outfit to deliver competitive power units.