Max Verstappen has addressed rumors suggesting Red Bull’s Formula 1 cars are engineered around his driving style, stating the team does not build cars just for him; instead, he adapts more effectively than his teammates. This declaration comes as Verstappen continues to lead Red Bull’s performance with an unmatched record since 2019.

Over recent years, Verstappen has secured 60 Grand Prix wins and four World Championship titles, a dominant feat compared to the five victories and no titles accumulated by his five teammates combined.

Analysis of Verstappen’s relationship with the Red Bull RB21

The Dutch driver remains the pinnacle of Red Bull’s racing success, guiding the team to four consecutive Drivers’ Championships and three Constructors’ titles. Meanwhile, his teammates have struggled, with only Sergio Perez contributing to the team’s recent win count and others eventually losing their seats.

This disparity has fueled speculation that Red Bull designs its cars to accommodate Verstappen’s distinctive driving style, which former teammate Alex Albon described as requiring a “sharp front end” with an extraordinary level of responsiveness. Albon explained,

“It’s a level of sharp and direct is a whole different level. It’s eye-wateringly sharp,”

further likening the sensation to a highly sensitive computer game mouse, moving uncontrollably across the screen.

It becomes so sharp that it makes you a little bit tense.

—Alex Albon, Former Red Bull Driver

However, Red Bull’s technical director Pierre Wache has firmly rejected the notion that the cars are developed for Verstappen’s preferences, emphasizing that the sole aim is to produce the fastest possible car.

Technical explanation from Red Bull’s perspective on car development

Wache clarified last year that the intention was never to create a car specifically for Verstappen. He stated,

It wasn’t our intention to develop specifically for Max,

while acknowledging that Verstappen can manage a car with less “connected balance,” which can be more challenging to control. Wache elaborated that although it is possible to make a slower understeery car, their priority is to push development toward quicker handling even if it demands more from the driver.

To make a quick car, by definition you go towards this. You still have the possibility to create an understeery car but it would be slower. Our job is to move away from this and then use the set-up to make it quicker.

—Pierre Wache, Red Bull Technical Director

Verstappen’s adaptability is key to his success with the RB21

Currently, Verstappen has amassed 187 points out of Red Bull’s total 194 in this season, highlighting his exceptional performance. Despite this, Verstappen insists the RB21 is not his ideal car, but one he adapts to better than his teammates. Speaking with Chris Harris on the Ford Performance YouTube channel, Verstappen said,

I just adapt to what I’ve got. It’s not what I like, it’s just what I have,

explaining that he drives the car to maximize speed, even if it does not match his personal preferences.

I’d like different bits on the car.

—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Driver

The driver expressed that although public admiration is rewarding, his motivation is internal perfection rather than external validation. He said,

“Of course it does, but I’m not doing it to show the people what I’m capable of. I’m doing it because I want to be the best with myself.”

I’m quite in that sense quite a perfectionist, it’s never good enough and if I can of course come out of the car and say to myself ‘that’s good enough’, it’s never good enough, but pretty good.

—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Driver

When pressed about whether he has had performances that satisfied him, Verstappen replied,

I’ve had a few laps that were pretty good.

He singled out his Q3 session in Jeddah in 2024 as an example, admitting his first run was so intense he doubted he could replicate it.

I came back in the box and ‘shit’, I don’t think I can do that again. I didn’t go faster in the second run so I could do it again.

Implications for Red Bull and Verstappen’s ongoing performance

This candid insight from Verstappen offers a deeper understanding of the dynamics at Red Bull, where success comes from his ability to adjust to a car that may not perfectly suit his style. It highlights the technical challenge Red Bull faces in balancing high performance with drivability for all team drivers.

The confirmation that Verstappen’s skill in adaptation is a critical factor underscores the team’s focus on achieving maximum speed rather than tailoring to individual preferences. This also casts a spotlight on the difficulties his teammates encounter with the same machinery, explaining the performance gaps within the team.

As Verstappen continues to pursue further victories and titles, Red Bull will likely keep refining their cars to optimize speed and handling, while Verstappen’s adaptability remains key to maintaining his edge in the fiercely competitive Formula 1 field.