Red Bull potentially hit by FIA change and how RB chooses its drivers – RacingNews365 Review

The comparison between the performances of the Red Bull RB20 and last year’s RB19 highlights how this year’s car has not been at all dominant, with the competition reeling it in.

It is 132 points down on this time last year, indicating the average competitiveness level over the 14 races held so far, with the car also becoming increasingly track-dependent, especially from the Miami Grand Prix.

READ MORE: How a minor FIA tweak could have had a dramatic effect on Red Bull

RB deny theory over second F1 seat decision

RB team principal Laurent Mekies has shot down the idea that one person in the Red Bull family has full discretion when it comes to making driver line-up decisions.

The 47-year-old further extended his point to all teams, wagering that it is “never like that” in F1 as he explained the process for driver decisions at RB and Red Bull.

READ MORE: RB deny theory over second F1 seat decision

NASCAR champion declares he is ‘better’ than F1 champion Verstappen

NASCAR champion Kyle Larson has declared that he is a “better all-around driver” than F1 pace-setter Max Verstappen.

Larson, the 2021 Cup champion, is regarded as one of the best drivers in motorsport outside of grand prix racing and one of the most naturally talented drivers to ever race in NASCAR.

READ MORE: NASCAR champion declares he is ‘better’ than F1 champion Verstappen

The peculiar end to Sainz’s Ferrari career

Carlos Sainz has had an incredibly bizarre year, given he knew before the F1 campaign even started that it would be his last with Ferrari.

Since Lewis Hamilton’s multi-year deal to replace Sainz next season was announced at the start of February, there has been a sense of misfortune for the Spanish driver. 

READ MORE: The peculiar end to Sainz’s Ferrari career

Red Bull expect ‘troubled days’ with new PU project

Red Bull must expect “troubled days” ahead with its in-house F1 power unit, a key team technical figure believes.

For 2026, Red Bull and RB will run power units manufactured by Red Bull Powertrains, with Ford coming in to provide technical assistance to the programme.

READ MORE: Red Bull expect ‘troubled days’ with new PU project

McLaren puts rivals on alert with F1 upgrade warning

McLaren boss Andrea Stella has hinted that the team could unleash further F1 upgrades, as he also played down the impact of a significant advantage the team holds.

The MCL38 machine is widely regarded as the fastest car in grand prix racing, with McLaren just 42 points Red Bull’s RB20 in the constructors’ championship, with the team eyeing a first crown since 1998. 

READ MORE: McLaren puts rivals on alert with F1 upgrade warning