Naomi Schiff cautions Red Bull regarding their F1 car, describing it as being on a "knife's edge" following difficulties experienced at the US GP.
Broadcaster Naomi Schiff has cautioned that Red Bull's limited set-up flexibility could be hindering Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar's 2026 Formula 1 seasons.
During the United States Grand Prix, both racers faced setbacks early in the event. Hadjar encountered a launch issue that led him to request a redesign of the clutch, while Verstappen experienced a lack of electrical power out of Turn 1, which immediately placed him in a protracted struggle with the Ferraris.
On the Up To Speed podcast, Schiff suggested that the initial race troubles reflect broader challenges for the team based in Milton Keynes.
"It was such a pity that neither of them got off to a good start because we were anticipating a duel between Max and Kimi, and Isack being in the mix could have potentially led to a surprise and maybe even his first victory in Formula 1," Schiff remarked.
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing
"However, throughout the whole weekend, it feels like there are issues beyond just the clutch that need addressing. It seems that there isn't a substantial operational window that suits that car, and it's truly on a precarious edge, as it has been for several years now.
"I suppose it was primarily a race focused on damage limitation for them right from the start today. Max even acknowledged at the end that perhaps the strategy they opted for initially was not the correct one.
"We heard him on the radio expressing his frustration about being sent back out into dirty air and possibly not maximizing the strategy they ultimately had to adopt. But that car just doesn't appear to be particularly easy for either driver to handle at this time."
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