The Anglo-Austrian team Red Bull is back in form and ready to take advantage of McLaren’s slowdown. Max Verstappen’s double victory in Austin acted like a revitalizing tonic for the team, confirming that Red Bull has regained both technical strength and the team cohesion that has always defined its best moments. With five races and two Sprint events remaining, the championship is now incredibly open: Verstappen is just 40 points behind leader Oscar Piastri, with a car finally capable of showing its full potential. Only a few races ago, Max was trailing by 104 points. Most of that gap has now been closed, and the team is aiming for a fifth world title. At Milton Keynes, they make no secret of it.
Helmut Marko on team spirit
Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Helmut Marko highlighted the “real atmosphere in the team,” a phrase that sums up more than a thousand technical data points. The advisor praised Red Bull’s response at key moments and credited the leadership of their star driver: “There isn’t a single track where we haven’t been competitive, and if we are, it’s because Max makes the difference.”
A Red Bull transformed after the summer break
The performance leap of the RB20 after the summer break has been clear. Milton Keynes addressed critical areas that had limited the car earlier in the season, particularly the aerodynamic balance through medium-slow corners. Updates introduced in previous races and perfected in the United States, combined with an optimized setup, improved the interaction between the floor and diffuser. This allowed Verstappen to better exploit rear downforce without compromising traction on corner exit.
The result is a more predictable and stable car in direction changes, responding better to ride-height adjustments—a weakness in earlier races. Austin confirmed that the Red Bull package is now complete: competitive in qualifying and, above all, consistent over race distance, with tire management returning to the excellent levels that defined the first part of the year.
McLaren struggles, Marko targets Piastri
While Red Bull regained confidence, McLaren appears to be faltering. Leader Oscar Piastri has not reached the podium in four races. Helmut Marko did not miss the opportunity for a psychological jab: “It’s clear McLaren no longer has the same lightness. Even Oscar Piastri had a tough moment today. I hope it stays that way.” Numbers support his point: the MCL39 has shown declining rear tire management and reduced aerodynamic efficiency on bumpier circuits.
Behind Marko’s statements lies a clear concept: experience in handling pressure can become the decisive weapon. Red Bull knows how to manage the final phase of a championship (as seen in 2021), while McLaren, returning to title contention after years, is navigating uncharted waters.
Tsunoda shines as Red Bull looks ahead
Marko also praised Yuki Tsunoda, who has grown increasingly consistent in recent races and plays a key role in the technical project. His points have been crucial in the fight for second place in the Constructors’ Championship, a target that seemed unlikely mid-season. “Tsunoda has also grown stronger,” Marko noted, “and that helps maintain the overall team level high.”
The Japanese driver benefited from updates that stabilized the car’s rear end. Red Bull is already planning for 2026, maintaining technical and managerial continuity. However, Yuki Tsunoda’s long-term position is not guaranteed, as Marko hinted regarding Hadjar’s potential arrival in Milton Keynes.
Mexico GP: Verstappen and rain ahead?
The next chapter will be the Mexican Grand Prix, which Helmut Marko approaches optimistically. Forecasts predict rain, a condition the advisor believes favors Verstappen: “This means absolute Max time!” On low-grip tracks, the Dutch driver often makes the difference with his sensitivity and car control, skills that shine under variable conditions.
Marko also hinted that Red Bull has not yet played all its cards: “We still have something up our sleeve. I don’t know exactly when it will arrive, but it could make a difference.” This likely refers to a final technical upgrade, possibly related to the floor or cooling system, aimed at delivering a decisive advantage in the championship fight.
Red Bull back to its DNA
After Austin, Red Bull seems to have rediscovered its DNA: competitive, aggressive, and focused. With Verstappen back at the center of the scene, the “world championship miracle” is no longer just a tantalizing idea, but a real possibility.
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