Has Red Bull closed the gap to F1 rivals?

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Red Bull Has Significantly Reduced the Performance Deficit to Formula One Rivals

Max Verstappen believes Red Bull has made substantial progress in closing the performance gap to their Formula One competitors. He indicated that the team has nearly halved the deficit seen in previous races, allowing him to place greater trust in his upgraded car. This sentiment comes after a period where Red Bull had been more than a second off the pace.
Improved Car Performance and Driver Confidence

Verstappen described his upgraded car as feeling "a bit more normal, a bit more together," suggesting a return to a more competitive and predictable performance level. He acknowledged that ongoing development is still necessary, but characterised the recent upgrades as a "really positive step." This renewed confidence in the machinery is a crucial factor in his assessment of the team's current standing.
Quantifiable Reduction in Lap Time Deficit

The extent of the improvement is partially illustrated by Verstappen's qualifying performance at the Miami Grand Prix. His best lap time was recorded at 0.592 seconds slower than pole-sitter Lando Norris. This figure represents a significant reduction compared to previous races where the deficit was over a full second, indicating that Red Bull is now much closer to the front-running pace.
Teammate's Performance Also Shows Progress

The progress is not solely attributed to Verstappen's car; his teammate, Isack Hadjar, also demonstrated an improved position. Hadjar qualified ninth, with a lap time 1.553 seconds off the pole lap. While still a more considerable gap than Verstappen's, this performance also suggests a narrowing of the overall team deficit compared to earlier events in the season.

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Has Red Bull closed the gap to F1 rivals?

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