Vettel Set for New Red Bull Chassis Amid Ongoing Struggles
Sebastian Vettel will receive a new Red Bull RB10 chassis, nicknamed 'Suzie', as the team investigates whether a technical fault is behind his poor 2014 form.
Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Sebastian Vettel will receive a brand new RB10 chassis, codenamed 'Suzie', as the team searches for answers to the reigning world champion's disappointing start to the 2014 Formula One season.
Vettel, who won four consecutive titles with Red Bull, has been outpaced by new teammate Daniel Ricciardo at several early races in 2014. The German has complained of a lack of rear stability and excessive tyre wear, particularly during the Chinese Grand Prix, prompting the team to consider a technical fault as a possible cause.
Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko said the team is investigating whether a flaw in Vettel's current chassis is to blame. Marko noted that Vettel's driving style demands a stable rear end, especially under braking and downshifting, and the 2014 RB10's new systems have made it difficult for him to find the right balance.
Red Bull's approach to Vettel's issues
Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal, has acknowledged that Vettel is lacking the 'feel' he needs from the RB10. While Ricciardo has adapted more quickly to the new car and power unit regulations, Vettel has struggled to extract performance, leading to speculation about a possible technical issue with his chassis.
Marko has stated that once the new chassis is available, Vettel will switch to it in an attempt to eliminate any structural defect as the root cause. If the new chassis fails to resolve the issues, Red Bull faces a more complex challenge, as the 2014 technical regulations have introduced unfamiliar variables for both drivers and engineers.
What it means for Vettel and Red Bull
Vettel's struggles have raised questions about the impact of Formula One's technical overhaul for 2014, which includes new turbo-hybrid engines and revised aerodynamics. While Ricciardo has delivered strong performances, Vettel's difficulties with car balance and tyre management have left Red Bull searching for answers. The team hopes that a new chassis will allow Vettel to regain his confidence and close the gap to his teammate.
- Vettel's tyre wear in China was much higher than Ricciardo's.
- Red Bull has not identified a clear cause for the imbalance.
- If the new chassis does not help, further investigation will be needed.
Red Bull has not set a specific timeline for when Vettel will receive the new chassis but confirmed it will be fitted as soon as it is completed. The team and Vettel are both keen to resolve the situation, with Marko expressing confidence that the German's methodical approach will eventually yield results, as it did in previous seasons.
