One of the most complicated issues heading into the Formula 1 preseason is the state of the team around champion Max Verstappen, Red Bull. The Dutch driver is undeniably exceptional, and if weather predictions for the first 2025 race in Melbourne hold up, he could be the favorite to secure pole position under potential rainy conditions. However, the RB21 hasn’t left a great impression so far. It was the car that logged the fewest miles, spent considerable time in the pit lane, and even saw Max Verstappen spin out while pushing for a better time.
The team doesn’t seem entirely comfortable, at least not yet. Verstappen himself noted, “The car is better because it was hard for it to be worse than last year’s.” But no one is hiding the fact that the RB21 still has a way to go. Pierre Wache, the team’s technical director, enumerated the changes they’ve made, “We’ve changed things that aren’t visible under the skin and inside the car, in terms of suspension, aerodynamics, and related characteristics.” They’re in an adaptation phase, but they haven’t given off the same air of comfort as McLaren – particularly during Norris’s stint – or Ferrari, which started strong before intentionally easing off.
It’s clear they’re lagging behind. Their strategy to change pace and get up to speed seems to involve going to war. They don’t want a repeat of the end of 2024, where McLaren and Ferrari left them in the dust, allegedly thanks to aerodynamic advancements that skirted the line of legality. This technical war with the front wings of the top two constructors from the last World Championship is a clear response to that.
Red Bull has been seeking changes, and they’re starting to materialize. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s director, explained, “The cars are very similar, given where the technical norms have gone.” However, the favorites were a step ahead, and the FIA’s vigilance might change the situation. Or at least, that’s what the energy drink team believes.
Verstappen Also at War
The war isn’t just about the team; it also affects their star, Verstappen. He’s been dealing with it since the season’s presentation in London, including the backlash from his father Jos’s statements and the lack of attention shown to him by the champion. There have also been criticisms about his controversial 2021 title from Norbert Haug, a Mercedes institution, and comments from Damon Hill about his tactics (“He cries if things don’t go his way,” Hill recounted).
However, probably no one matches Max’s tactics on the track, and that’s his advantage. He frustrated McLaren in 2024 and is capable of landing as the favorite who changes everything. “I have work to do, but we have ideas to improve. It’s never enough, and maybe we expected more, but we can improve,” he shared, leaving a clear message. “I don’t think we can fight for a win in Australia, but I hope to improve in the following races,” he concluded.