Alex Wurz: Red Bull is lagging behind in energy management

      Alex Wurz, a former driver now working as a commentator with Austrian television and heading the GPDA association, pointed out the weak spot of the Red Bull Racing cars.

      Alex analyzes race results in his podcast with the amusing title "Lift and Roast," which deserves a separate mention. In motorsport, there is a term Lift and Coast, which means to lift off the throttle and coast. In the past, this technique had to be used during races when there was a need to save fuel, and Wurz's podcast title resonates with that, although the last word in the title is replaced with 'roast,' which means "to bake" or "to roast."

      On one hand, coffee beans need to be roasted before making a fragrant and tasty drink, and on the other hand, when the host of an interview asks uncomfortable questions, this is also referred to as "roasting" in English journalism. A similar expression "to give heat" exists in our literature, which can certainly be applied in this context.

      So, Alex, analyzing the Japanese Grand Prix, specifically mentioned that on the Suzuka track, Red Bull Racing drivers lost the most due to difficulties related to managing the energy of the hybrid power unit.

      It must be acknowledged that overall, the creation of Red Bull Powertrains and Ford exceeds expectations, considering that this is the very first development from the team's engine division in Milton Keynes. Moreover, the DM01 engine turned out to be so efficient that it seems it will not fall under the ADUO program (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities), but that is another story.

      And although there are also questions regarding the RB22 chassis, Wurz believes that Red Bull has not yet found the right approach to energy management.

      "Observing how Red Bull uses energy on the Suzuka track and how they control its consumption, I must note that they are behind their competitors in this aspect," Alex reflected. "At least, they are behind Mercedes and Ferrari. And how other teams work with energy certainly does not lift Max Verstappen's spirits."

      Wurz means that after the Japanese Grand Prix, the four-time world champion did not hide his dissatisfaction with both the new regulations and the performance of the car he has to drive in 2026. However, in the Austrian's opinion, Max's criticism is primarily aimed at the situation with energy management, which would have to be discussed even if the results of the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls drivers were somewhat better.