Fifth placed qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Clive Rose - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Max Verstappen attributed Red Bull’s struggles in Las Vegas qualifying to a subpar rear wing on the RB20. Speaking to media, including Sportskeeda, the Dutchman highlighted the car’s lack of suitability for low-downforce circuits like Las Vegas and Monza.
Red Bull’s compromised rear wing design hindered both cars, particularly on the straights, throughout practice and qualifying. Verstappen qualified fifth, four-tenths of a second behind pole-sitter George Russell. Despite the challenges, he viewed fifth as a fortunate result, given that Lewis Hamilton failed to improve and qualified tenth.
The three-time world champion noted that the RB20 struggled in both corners and straights, especially with the DRS flap open during qualifying, which typically boosts performance. While Red Bull lagged over a second behind its rivals during practice, Verstappen acknowledged that their qualifying pace marked a slight improvement. Both Mercedes cars, however, remained strong throughout the weekend.
