Guenther Steiner, known for his candid commentary, has issued a stark warning to Red Bull Racing that their star driver, Max Verstappen, could pose a management challenge if the team’s performance doesn’t improve. This comes in the wake of Red Bull’s underwhelming performance with their RB20 car, a trend that appears to be continuing with their 2025 challenger.
Steiner, with his wealth of experience in the motorsport world, understands the pressures and expectations that come with handling a top-tier driver like Verstappen. He suggests that a discontented Verstappen, who is notorious for his competitive spirit and high standards, may become difficult to manage if Red Bull’s performance issues persist.
Red Bull, headquartered in Milton Keynes, has been grappling with these performance struggles that initially cropped up during the RB20 phase. These issues seem to have seeped into the 2025 challenger as well, causing concern among team members and fans alike. This consistent underperformance is not just a setback in the race standings, but also poses a potential risk to the team’s harmony, considering Verstappen’s driven nature.
The Dutch driver, known for his aggressive driving style and refusal to settle for anything less than victory, has had his fair share of frustrations with the team’s lack of competitiveness. Steiner’s warning brings these issues to light, suggesting that if Red Bull doesn’t turn their performance around, they may have more than just technical issues to deal with.
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing, maintaining a competitive edge is crucial. A star driver’s dissatisfaction could upset the balance of the team, leading to potential setbacks both on and off the track. Red Bull, therefore, must address their performance struggles swiftly to ensure their star driver remains content and focused on delivering victories.
Steiner’s candid warning serves as a reminder to Red Bull and other teams that managing a team involves more than just technical prowess. It requires a balance of high performance, driver satisfaction, and effective management. With the spotlight firmly on them, it remains to be seen how Red Bull will respond to these challenges in the 2025 season.