Red Bull's 'Trust' Issue Raised Amidst Verstappen-Tsunoda Gap

Karun Chandhok, a former F1 driver, suggests Red Bull faces a significant "trust" issue regarding data from its drivers, Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda, due to the considerable performance gap between them. This disparity, Chandhok warns, could hinder the team's development and cause them to fall behind in the upcoming seasons, especially with new regulations on the horizon.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's dominance, largely driven by Max Verstappen, could be jeopardized if the team cannot effectively utilize data from both cars. In an era of rapid development and tight competition, having reliable feedback from two drivers is crucial for optimizing car setups, evaluating upgrades, and maintaining a competitive edge. This issue becomes even more critical with major regulation changes expected in 2026, where development pace will be paramount.

The details:

• Single-Car Team Dilemma: Chandhok describes Red Bull as effectively a "one-car team," meaning they are hampered by the lack of comparable data from their two drivers.
• São Paulo Grand Prix Example: At the São Paulo GP, Red Bull struggled to find the optimal setup for Verstappen's RB21. With only one practice session due to the sprint format, the team had limited time to experiment. Verstappen ultimately started the main race from the pit lane after engine changes and a setup overhaul, showcasing the difficulty of rapid optimization without diverse driver feedback.
• Verstappen's Performance: Despite the initial struggles, Verstappen charged through the field to secure third place, marking his seventh consecutive podium. However, he now trails Lando Norris by 49 points in the championship with only 83 points remaining, making a fifth title nearly impossible.
• Data Inconsistency: Chandhok highlights that with such a significant performance "gulf" between Verstappen and Tsunoda, Red Bull cannot "trust whether the information is the driver or the car that's creating this gap" when comparing setup options or updates.
• Tsunoda's Contribution: Since joining the RB21 two rounds into the season, Tsunoda has only scored 25 points, while Verstappen has amassed 305 points over the same 19-round period, emphasizing the disparity.

What's next:

This unequal situation between Red Bull's drivers could become a major headache for the team in 2026, when F1 introduces significant overhauls to power unit and chassis regulations. The upgrade battle is expected to be fierce and critical.

• Chandhok warns that Red Bull "need two drivers; otherwise, their development will fall behind" as they strive to keep pace with competitors under the new rules.
• Addressing this imbalance, whether through driver development, strategic driver changes, or advanced data analysis, will be crucial for Red Bull to maintain its championship aspirations in the long term.