As we gear up for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Red Bull’s Technical Director Pierre Wache has candidly expressed that the team is trailing behind major rivals Ferrari and McLaren. This revelation comes after a thorough analysis of the pre-season testing.
Notably, Red Bull had an impressive run in the 2024 season, demonstrating remarkable title success. However, despite this achievement, they lost their edge and concluded the season without the exemplary machine that had previously placed them at the forefront. This contributed to them forfeiting the Constructors’ Championship, even as Max Verstappen’s efforts ensured the retention of the Drivers’ crown within the team.
The 2024 season also saw Red Bull lose ground to a rejuvenated Ferrari team. This, coupled with balance issues resulting from the team’s RB20, led to an anticlimactic end to a season that had begun on a high note. Despite these challenges, Red Bull had optimism that it had rectified the issues that had marred its predecessor, particularly as Verstappen praised the RB21 for its predictability.
However, the optimism quickly faded following a minor setback after implementing updates. Wache admitted that the team’s 2025 challenger did not deliver the significant leap they had anticipated. He revealed that finding the “sweet spot” with the RB21 proved elusive and admitted it was difficult to pinpoint how they compared to their competitors.
The consensus within the F1 paddock is that McLaren is currently leading the pack, a viewpoint Wache concurs with. Additionally, he believes that Ferrari has a superior package compared to Red Bull. In his words to The Race, “At the moment it doesn’t look like we are quick enough, but after we will see. It looks like McLaren and Ferrari are quicker.”
Max Verstappen, who is striving to match Michael Schumacher’s record of five straight F1 titles, agrees with Wache’s assessment of Red Bull not starting the season as favourites. Verstappen is hopeful that the team will be prepared for Melbourne, but admitted, “There is some work to do for us.”
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, who now races for Ferrari, warned against underestimating Red Bull, citing their remarkable track record with the current ground effect cars. He told the media, “As with Red Bull, who have dominated for many years.”
As the 2025 Formula 1 season looms, this frank admission from Red Bull reveals the challenges they face. Nevertheless, the team remains hopeful and committed to improvement as they navigate the upcoming season.
