F1 expert ‘very sceptical’ about what Red Bull plan to do at the US Grand Prix

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Max Verstappen may lead the Formula 1 drivers’ championship ahead of the United States Grand Prix but Red Bull have a plan in store to help improve their title hopes.

The team from Milton Keynes headed across the pond to the Circuit of the Americas second in the constructors’ standings. McLaren have opened a 41-point lead over Red Bull in recent rounds, whilst also helping lead driver Lando Norris move to within 52 points of Verstappen.

McLaren’s results further ensure both championships remain up for grabs ahead of the final six Grand Prix and three F1 Sprint events of the season. It is in stark contrast to how Red Bull and Verstappen started 2024 with seven wins in 11 Grand Prix and two wins in three Sprints.

Christian Danner is ‘very sceptical’ about Red Bull’s upgrades for the US Grand Prix

Verstappen has also been increasingly frustrated with Red Bull’s car at recent races, dubbing it an ‘undrivable monster’ at the Italian Grand Prix. The Dutchman would not bite his tongue over the RB20’s balance problems at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix or Singapore Grand Prix, too.

So, Red Bull utilised the autumn break to produce upgrades for the US Grand Prix they hope will help bring the front-end bite Verstappen craves back. The new parts will also carry them over the Mexico City Grand Prix and the Sao Paulo Grand Prix before another two-week gap.

READ MORE: Five unforgettable US Grand Prix at COTA including Hamilton vs Rosberg spat

But Christian Danner, who entered 47 Grand Prix between 1985 and 1989, is sceptical about the gains the upgrades will offer Red Bull and Verstappen at COTA. So, the ex-Arrows F1 ace feels Red Bull need to split their set-ups in practice with the US Grand Prix a Sprint weekend.

“I am very sceptical as to whether Red Bull’s upgrade for Austin, the changes to the car, will bring any results,” the RTL commentator told sport.de. “You must not forget – in Austin, you only have an hour to set up the car in practice and then you have to qualify for the Sprint.

“Actually, Red Bull need to split things up. But whether you can change that in two hours between practice and Sprint qualifying [is uncertain].

“If the driver’s feedback doesn’t match the data, the driver is of course right because he is ultimately driving the car. To understand that in one hour, you have to look very closely.”

Red Bull will unveil an RB20-B with extensive upgrades at the US Grand Prix

Verstappen has dominated at the Circuit of the Americas in recent terms, with the Red Bull driver winning each of the past three United States Grand Prix plus the F1 Sprint at COTA in 2023. But the 27-year-old may have to hope Danner’s concern is misplaced to win in 2024.

READ MORE: The most successful F1 drivers at the US Grand Prix at COTA and of all time

If Danner’s scepticism about Red Bull’s upgrades planned for the US Grand Prix does prove true, Verstappen will likely even fear the further consequences for the Mexico City GP and the Sao Paulo GP. He cannot afford Red Bull missing the mark and Norris scoring big points.

A lot hinges on the upgrades succeeding at COTA as Red Bull are expected to effectively run an RB20-B by changing almost everything about the car. So, if the upgrades fail, Verstappen and Red Bull likely face further frustration for the first of two triple-headers to end the year.