REVEALED: Max Verstappen outlined three main reasons for strongly opposing the use of the RB20 in the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

One of Verstappen’s most significant concerns centers around the performance of the RB20 on street circuits. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix takes place on the streets of Baku, featuring tight corners and high-speed straights that demand precision and balance from any F1 car. According to Verstappen, the RB20 has shown inconsistency in handling the unique demands of such circuits during early tests.

“The characteristics of the Baku track are unlike anything we usually face, and the RB20 hasn’t been as predictable in these conditions as we need it to be,” Verstappen reportedly said. “The balance between downforce and top speed is crucial here, and we haven’t quite nailed that yet.”

Verstappen’s concern comes from the fact that even minor aerodynamic or mechanical issues on a track like Baku can have significant consequences, as the narrow streets offer little room for error.

 2. Reliability Issues in High-Stress Conditions

The second reason for Verstappen’s opposition to the RB20 centers on the car’s reliability under high-stress conditions. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with its combination of high-speed straights and sharp braking zones, places considerable strain on the car’s engine, brakes, and cooling systems.

Verstappen has voiced concerns that the RB20 may not yet be able to withstand the intensity of the race without risking mechanical failure. In a recent statement, he explained, “We’ve experienced some reliability issues during long stints in testing. Baku demands a lot from the car, especially with the long straight, and I’m not convinced we’re fully prepared to manage that without compromising performance.”

Given that reliability is a key factor in securing points and avoiding costly retirements, Verstappen’s concerns seem justified.

3. Insufficient Time for Setup Optimization

The third and final issue Verstappen raised is the lack of time available to fine-tune the RB20’s setup for Baku. He emphasized that the team is still working on finding the optimal setup for the car, and time is running short ahead of the Grand Prix.

“Baku is a tricky circuit to get right in terms of setup, and we’re still exploring how to get the most out of the RB20. Rushing it could mean we’re not fully prepared, and that’s a risk I don’t want to take,” Verstappen said.

Red Bull’s recent dominance in the Formula 1 season has been built on careful preparation and attention to detail. Verstappen’s concerns suggest that more development time is needed before the RB20 can meet the high standards required for the streets of Baku.

Despite these concerns, Red Bull Racing has not yet made any official decision regarding the use of the RB20 in Azerbaijan. Team Principal Christian Horner is expected to discuss Verstappen’s concerns with the engineering team in the coming days.

As the 2024 F1 season continues, Verstappen’s stance shows the importance of both technical performance and strategic caution. With the Azerbaijan Grand Prix fast approaching, all eyes will be on Red Bull to see whether they take Verstappen’s concerns into account—or push forward with the RB20 despite the risks.