Red Bull’s Potential Dual Car Specification Strategy

For years, Red Bull Racing has been a one-car Formula 1 squad, struggling to find a suitable teammate for Max Verstappen. From Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018 to the present, drivers like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, and Liam Lawson have all failed to match Verstappen’s performance. This struggle persists across two different design rule eras. Now, at the Japanese Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda will attempt to break this pattern.

The Challenge of Suiting Two Drivers in One Team

The seriousness of Perez’s inability to match Verstappen’s points hauls in 2021 and the cost of two constructors’ championships for Red Bull hint at a potential solution. A wry observation from within the F1 paddock during the Chinese GP suggested that Red Bull might consider fielding two different car specifications – one for Verstappen and another for his teammate.

If Verstappen’s suggestion in Shanghai that the Racing Bulls car is “easier to drive than ours” is any indication, this strategy could offer clear advantages for Red Bull. By tailoring the RB21 to give Verstappen the strong front end he desires while reducing the confidence-sapping rear end snaps, Red Bull could improve both cars’ performance.

At the same time, whoever is designated as Verstappen’s teammate on any given weekend would get to drive the more compliant Racing Bulls package, with its slightly higher ride height usually making it easier to drive. This strategy isn’t unprecedented in Formula 1; teams have fielded very different car specifications in the past.

The Legal Challenges of Dual Car Specifications

However, such a move would face significant legal challenges. Red Bull’s F1 rivals would object to this strategy as it violates Article 17.3 and its many sub-categories of F1’s technical regulations, which cover “Listed Team Components” (LTC). This rule limits teams from using parts they haven’t designed themselves for in-competition use.

Additionally, there is rule Article 17.5 on Transferable Components (TRC), which covers parts that teams can build and then sell to others. Given Red Bull and Racing Bulls share many mechanical parts, this rule could pose a significant obstacle.

Despite these challenges, the idea of dual car specifications remains an intriguing discussion in the complex and fascinating world of motorsport. Whether Red Bull will take this step remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – they are under pressure to provide Verstappen with a car that suits his genius needs without compromising the performance of his teammate. And right now, that doesn’t even add up to the quickest car for just one Red Bull driver…