F1 Rumour: Red Bull To Lose Performance As RB19 Issue Identified

The RB19 may be running too close to the ground, according to a rumour circulating around Bahrain.

Big news from Bahrain as the first Practice Session comes to an end: Red Bull Racing's RB19 has a ground clearance issue that could result in downforce loss for the team. 

Auto Motor und Sport reported that the car's floorboard is hitting the tarmac too much, with the only fix being to raise the ride height. Doing this will reduce the ground effect under the car, in other words, reducing downforce. 

Sergio Perez topped the timesheet today during FP1 and, being the reigning Constructor Champions, Red Bull is the favourite to take the championship once again in 2023.  The ride height of the RB19 was a plot point during pre-season testing, with it being much lower than the rival teams such as Ferrari, but now it seems like this could be the Achilles heel of the Milton Keynes squad. 

Raising the ride height of the RB19 could give Ferrari the upper hand until an upgrade is brought in later in the season. Either way, if this rumour is true, Red Bull could be in trouble.