Verstappen's Feedback Drives Red Bull's Recent F1 Resurgence

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert highlights that Red Bull's recent upturn in performance is largely due to their increased responsiveness to Max Verstappen's feedback. After a period of inconsistent results, Red Bull has secured two wins in the last three Grands Prix, bringing Verstappen back into title contention, albeit as an outside bet against the McLaren duo.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's mid-season struggles raised questions about their ability to challenge for the championship. This recent resurgence, driven by adapting to their star driver's insights, demonstrates the critical impact of driver-team synergy and positions them as a renewed threat to McLaren's dominance, intensifying the championship battle.

The details:

• Driver Input is Key: Johnny Herbert stated to BettingLounge that Red Bull is now "listening more to what Max is saying," suggesting a shift from previous simulation-driven strategies that weren't aligning with Verstappen's requirements.
• Strategic Shift: The team has reportedly changed its approach, "applying more of what Max is saying," which has translated into improved on-track performance.
• Leadership Change Impact: The replacement of Christian Horner with Laurent Mekies as team principal is also cited as a positive factor.
  • Herbert noted that Mekies "seems to have created a nice harmony within the team."
  • The relationship between Mekies and Verstappen is described as "much closer" compared to Verstappen's dynamic with Horner, which was marred by a "running battle with Jos [Verstappen]."
• Positive Atmosphere: The change in leadership has fostered a "very positive" team environment, contributing to their improved form in recent races.

The big picture:

Red Bull's mid-season dip saw them deliver a series of lackluster results. However, their recent performance spike, with two wins in three races, has put Verstappen, currently 66 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, back into the conversation for the title.

What's next:

While their competitive edge may not be guaranteed at every race, Red Bull's recent form indicates they are a significant threat. This resurgence, particularly from the "fastest driver on the grid," creates immense pressure for McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who had previously enjoyed a more dominant car. Herbert believes this twist in fortune is "probably the worst scenario for McLaren to have," as Verstappen is expected to consistently challenge for points and victories.