Ted Kravitz has spotted a ‘significant’ development at world champions Red Bull at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Red Bull are looking to get back to winning ways in Suzuka after failing to win for just the second time since the start of 2023 in Australia.
And Kravitz, speaking on Sky Sports F1, has shared big news from F1’s dominant team ahead of the race.
Max Verstappen was gunning for a record-equalling 10th consecutive victory last time out in Melbourne.
He qualified on pole position but had to retire early in the race because of a brake issue.
Teammate Sergio Perez could only manage fifth after picking up a visor tear-off on the floor of his car, hampering his performance.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz went on to win the race ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.
Sainz was the driver who denied Red Bull a clean sweep of the 2023 calendar with his triumph in Singapore.
Verstappen won the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix in dominant fashion but his lead at the top of the standings is down to four points.
Ted Kravitz impressed by Red Bull upgrades
Red Bull have brought a number of updates to their RB20 for this weekend’s race, and Kravitz reckons they will be particularly useful at this particular circuit.
He’s impressed that they’ve been able to introduce a sizeable upgrade so early into the season.
“At a circuit like Suzuka which rewards aerodynamic efficiency this is really a significant upgrade from Red Bull,” he said.
“They have brought four things which should make them even quicker.
“Impressive stuff from the world champions.”
Verstappen had been tight-lipped on the planned changes to his car prior to the weekend, but went on to lead a one-two in FP1.
Neither driver set a lap time in FP2 amid changeable conditions, with five others deciding not to venture out of the pits.
Can Ferrari keep up with Red Bull in Japan?
Ferrari’s one-two in Australia, even in the midst of Verstappen’s retirement, has raised hopes of a more competitive season in 2024.
Those in the paddock are waiting to see whether the Scuderia can challenge Red Bull on a consistent basis, or whether it will be a rarity.
Damon Hill has predicted that Sainz will make it back-to-back wins at the figure-of-eight track, beating Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris.
However, the reigning world champion expressed confidence that he could have kept up with the Ferrari driver in Australia but for his issues.
Leclerc will also be a factor after his front-row starts in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but he’s not feeling entirely confident in his new SF-24 at this stage.
Karun Chandhok says the ease with which Verstappen has been able to win most races is ‘alarming’.
But Red Bull must first ensure that they are completely on top of the gremlins that prevented the Dutchman from finishing the last race.
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