Palmer: Red Bull’s revival could be F1’s biggest turnaround

Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Jolyon Palmer said Red Bull’s resurgence could, on paper, be Formula 1’s biggest turnaround when judged by percentage differences—if the team sustains its form through the final races. Max Verstappen’s wins in Malaysia and Singapore came in the upgraded RB22. Palmer said he saw no obvious weakness and little reason the run could not continue at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.

Palmer pointed to the car’s range. He said Singapore’s bumps and kerbs had long been a Red Bull weakness, yet he was struck by its pace through slow corners. The RB22’s straight-line speed also looked strong at Baku and Malaysia, he said, and the car was not lacking in Malaysia’s faster corners.

Ferrari had the edge over Verstappen in the corners at Singapore and Malaysia, Palmer said, although he believed its engine remained a major limitation on the overall package. He also highlighted Red Bull’s Friday set-up at Singapore: in recent years, he said, the team had often struggled and only turned things around on Saturday. This time, it was competitive from the outset. Palmer cautioned that there was no guarantee the team would sustain its form.

Palmer also praised Verstappen’s season, acknowledging one or two mistakes while describing his overall level as exceptional. In Austin, Verstappen is chasing a third consecutive victory.