Max Verstappen and Red Bull managed a strong performance at the United States Grand Prix. The outfit faced a performance slump until Singapore, where Verstappen explained the car’s issues that held him back. However, the upgrades in Austin worked well, with Verstappen winning the sprint race and finishing the US GP in P3.

Team principal Christian Horner mentioned that was just what Red Bull aimed for. Since 2023, Red Bull has struggled with balance issues in their car, leading to an imbalance between the front and rear of the RB20. This created handling problems and increased tire wear, especially at high-speed circuits.

However, ahead of the Austin GP, Red Bull discussed the upgrades they planned to introduce to get their car firing on all cylinders. Christian Horner explained that the upgrade package wasn’t massive, involving only two key adjustments. Their main goal was to improve the Max Verstappen‘s car’s balance so it could perform more consistently on track.

What we have done is bring the balance a bit closer together. So this disconnect that was there between the front and the back of the car is now more balanced. Christian Horner told RacingNews365Verstappen’s performance at the COTA race clearly showed that Red Bull had finally aligned the front and rear of the RB20.

He kicked off the weekend by winning the sprint race, proving the recent upgrades were working in their favor. However, despite a strong start, Verstappen couldn’t quite catch up to the leaders during the main race, ultimately finishing third. While he didn’t secure a win, Horner was satisfied with the result, emphasizing that this performance was exactly what the team hoped to see as a sign of progress.

He was happy with the car, from the moment we arrived here. So that is encouraging for the races that are still on the programme. This is exactly what we were hoping for after Singapore.

Christian Horner statedRELATEDHelmut Marko cleverly gives a squirrel reference in Max Verstappen’ pursuit of ‘picking up’ points in title fightChristian Horner reflects on battle with Lando Norris at US GPAs the upgrades worked effectively, Max Verstappen was fast enough to challenge Lando Norris at the 2024 US Grand Prix. However, in the main race, Verstappen finished third and competed with Norris, and for the first time in a while, finished ahead of the Brit. Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Christian Horner (VIa: Imago)This is the first time we’ve scored more than Lando since I think Spa, so that shows why it was important for us to come back from that deficit and get back ahead.

Christian Horner explainedRed Bull’s improvements in Austin helped narrow the gap between their performance and McLaren’s pace. RELATEDLando Norris deems US GP fourth place as ‘momentum killer’ amidst fierce title tussle against Max VerstappenWith only five races left and a 57-point lead, Verstappen acknowledges that nothing is guaranteed. He understands that no lead is ever truly comfortable in Formula 1, where anything can happen.

However, securing the current lead was an extremely important step for him and Red Bull at the US GP.