Verstappen shares encouraging RB22 discovery after breaking pole duck
Photo: Race Pictures
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Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Fresh from securing his first pole position of the season at Sepang, Max Verstappen revealed how the recent upgrades introduced in Baku have helped eliminate some of the weaknesses that have plagued the RB22 for much of the championship.
Red Bull arrived in Baku last weekend with a significant upgrade package for the RB22. The changes included a new floor featuring revised edges and diffuser, alongside modifications to the sidepod and engine-cover bodywork. The team also introduced updates around the halo and mirror area, as well as revised rear-suspension covers and updated rear brake ducts.
The Dutchman finally managed to end his pole drought this year, and did so in dominant fashion, finishing almost three tenths clear of Lewis Hamilton. Isack Hadjar took third, further underlining the RB22's strong performance throughout the weekend, although the Frenchman will have to serve a grid penalty.
Verstappen has more good news for Red Bull after first pole breakthrough
Speaking at the press conference after qualifying, the four-time world champion explained that Red Bull's recent progress has come from a combination of a better understanding of the RB22 and the effectiveness of the upgrades introduced to the car. According to Verstappen, those developments have helped address some of its previous weaknesses, improving both lap time and the overall balance.
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Photo: Race Pictures
"The last few races we have probably understood the car a little bit better, but also the upgrades have pushed some of the weaknesses out of the car. There are, of course, always things that you still would like, but we have been adding bits to the car and they have worked. And it's simple as that: when they work, you gain lap time, you have a better overall balance in the car."
The Dutchman also highlighted the importance of having a more stable and connected car, particularly with tyres that are highly sensitive to changes in balance. That becomes even more significant in the hot conditions at Sepang, with Verstappen suggesting Red Bull has made further progress in this area over the latest race weekend.
"With tires that are very sensitive to balance, that gives you also more lap time. And then on track, probably, where it's all very hot and you want to a stable balance or connected balance, that's very important. That's, I think, what we have found a little bit more over the last weekend."
The Dutchman will once again line up alongside Lewis Hamilton on the front row, just like in their glory days, and history has shown that whenever the pair start side by side at the front, there is rarely a shortage of action.
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