Schumacher Warns Verstappen: RB21 Could 'Jump Like a Donkey' in Las Vegas

Ralf Schumacher has issued a warning to Max Verstappen and Red Bull, suggesting their RB21 car might "jump like a donkey or a goat" at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix. With Verstappen 49 points behind championship leader Lando Norris and only three races remaining, the team faces a dwindling chance to secure a fifth consecutive World Championship, and the car's known struggles on bumpy street circuits could prove problematic.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's persistent issues with stiff suspension and low floor setups on uneven tracks could severely impact Max Verstappen's performance in Las Vegas. Given the crucial stage of the championship, any significant handling problems could effectively end their title hopes and allow rivals like McLaren to solidify their lead, reshuffling the competitive order at the season's close.

The Details:

• Car Characteristics: Ralf Schumacher highlighted on Sky Sport Germany's F1 podcast, Backstage Boxengasse, that Red Bull's RB21 generates most of its downforce from its floor, necessitating a very low ride height and stiff suspension.
• Las Vegas Challenge: The uneven and bumpy nature of the Las Vegas Street Circuit directly conflicts with the RB21's preferred setup, potentially causing the car to become unstable.
• Verstappen's Past Comments: Verstappen has previously described his car "jumping like a donkey or a goat" on such tracks, indicating a known limitation for the driver when encountering tuning compromises.
• Temperature Strategy: Schumacher also discussed how teams might deliberately set up cars to "eat tyres" in colder conditions, just to get them into the optimal operating temperature window, a strategy that requires a delicate balance to avoid overshooting.

The Big Picture:

This potential struggle for Red Bull is part of a broader narrative of adapting F1 cars to diverse track conditions. While Red Bull has dominated on many circuits, their sensitivity to bumps and cold temperatures on street circuits like Las Vegas has been a recurring vulnerability this season. Finding the right compromise between downforce generation, ride height, and suspension stiffness, especially in colder conditions, will be key for all teams, not just Red Bull, in navigating the unique demands of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

What's next:

Red Bull will need to find an optimal car setup that mitigates the RB21's inherent weaknesses on bumpy street circuits, especially with the colder temperatures expected in Las Vegas. Their rivals, particularly McLaren, will be looking to capitalize on any Red Bull struggles, as McLaren has also faced challenges with tyre temperatures in previous Las Vegas races. Practice sessions, commencing on Thursday, will provide the first real indication of which teams have found the best compromise for the unique conditions of the Nevada desert circuit.