Red Bull thinks FIA has already been notified: 'I think already done'
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Christian Horner agrees that there is a problem with Max Verstappen's DRS. The Red Bull Racing team boss let us know after the first free practice that the issues will be solved soon. Furthermore Horner thinks that rivals have already pointed out the moving rear wing to the FIA, but he doesn't seem to be very concerned about that.
"We've seen it [DRS issue] and we've got data from it, and we've got a comparison from Sergio's wing," Horner began in conversation with Sky Sports. Red Bull will make adjustments to Verstappen's RB18 in the hours between FP1 and FP2 to ensure it doesn't happen again at the Baku circuit later on Friday afternoon.
Is the weight the cause?
Helmut Marko indicated after the Spanish Grand Prix when Verstappen had to deal with a rear wing that wouldn't open, that the problems probably arose in trying to make the 2022 car lighter. Indeed, Verstappen drove a slightly different car than teammate Sergio Perez in Barcelona.
Horner commented: "Weight is always a critical factor all over the car. There was a difference between the two cars, so we just need to look at the set-up of it and the rigidity of it, and get on top of it." That it is Verstappen who is affected again is annoying for his pupil, according to Horner. "It always seems to be on Max's car for some reason. So, we need to get on top of it. We understood the issues in Barcelona and hopefully, we can tune it out."
Competitors keep an eye on RB18
At Ferrari's pit wall, there were many head-shaking people when they saw on the television footage that Verstappen's rear wing was clattering tremendously when using DRS. Karun Chandhok suggested to Sky Sports that Ferrari might be making a call to the FIA. Horner thinks competitors have already rung the bell. "I think they have already [complained] it's detrimental to the performance of the car."