Lewis Hamilton defends the Max Verstappen-led Red Bull over bib-trick saga with an ‘innovation’ remark

Max Verstappen has led the Milton-Keynes-based team to three consecutive world titles since the 2021 campaign.

Lewis Hamilton defends the Max Verstappen-led Red Bull over bib-trick saga with an ‘innovation’ remark

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (via Formula 1)

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has spoken in favor of Red Bull in light of the recent objections about their bib (an aerodynamic component located beneath the car). The Milton-Keynes-based team has been accused of exploiting the ride height of their bib through a report.

Max Verstappen‘s Red Bull has been the team to beat ever since the 2022 season. They have won the championship title consecutively over the past three years by virtue of their scintillating pace. They have, however, been on an unexplainable decline this season, as they trail by 41 points in the constructors championship.

Lewis Hamilton has since deemed Red Bull’s advantage an innovation in light of their past successes in Formula 1. Hamilton claims that teams must be allowed to twitch and experiment in their own way to find an edge over the others.

I only just heard about it before I got here. But I think the name of our sport is all about innovation. Red Bull have been the leaders and they’ve innovated.

Lewis Hamilton told SkySportsF1

The Milton-Keynes-based team has shown promise at Austin so far, which will be good news for them. Having failed to win in any of the last eight races, the team will be eyeing their chances at the 5.513 km track from here on.

Max Verstappen urges Red Bull to make RB20 more drivable

Red Bull showed signs of improvement after Max Verstappen clinched pole position in the COTA Sprint qualifying. The Milton-Keynes-based team starts on the front row for the first time since the Austrian GP this season.

Max Verstappen and RB20
Max Verstappen and RB20 (via IMAGO)

You can’t really push to the limit and you have to leave a bit of a margin. Looking at the lap, there are a few little balance issues to sort out, but to be ahead of the others is really positive. I’m aware that there are a lot of fast cars around me but I’m happy and it’s definitely a positive return. Looking to the rest of the weekend, we just want to make the car a bit more driveable and that we are all good on the tyres in the race.

Max Verstappen via Formula1.com

Verstappen felt some issues with the balance of the RB20 during his initial runs at the sprint qualifying. The 27-year-old was nevertheless pleased with the performance of his team after enduring a rough spell over the past few races.

The Sprint race is of utmost importance to Verstappen, who seeks to increase his lead at the top of the title charts. He will face a tough challenge from McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari as an interesting battle awaits in Austin, Texas.