Waché on further RB19 development: 'We are not just focusing on 2024'

As we all saw during the first free practice and qualifying for the race in Austria, Max Verstappen 's RB19 is almost unstoppable. Besides the established names of Adrian Newey, Helmut Marko and Christian Horner, French engineer Pierre Waché is also highly regarded within the team. He reveals his plans for next season.

Initially, Red Bull is not fixing its gaze entirely on 2024, Waché told De Telegraaf in an interview. "It's not like we're totally focusing on 2024 right now. Nor are we stopping developing this year's car further. For now, the technical regulations in 2024 are the same as this season. Many parts we develop and use for this year, we can also use next year," explained the Frenchman.

The Austrian racing stable exceeded the budget cap in 2021 and faced a penalty for doing so. Red Bull was allowed 10 per cent less time to develop the car. Wind tunnel time and computer simulations were particularly affected.

Waché also knows this: "Don't forget also that we have a huge disadvantage in terms of wind tunnel time. So we have fewer opportunities to develop the car than others." While Waché and consorts are working on the car, Verstappen continues to string victories on his seal. The Dutchman will have another chance to take a big step towards the championship on Saturday and Sunday as well.