Max Verstappen, the Dutch sensation of Formula 1, has thrown shade on the excuses surrounding Red Bull’s underwhelming performance this season. While many have pointed fingers at the team’s outdated wind tunnel as the root cause of their struggles, Verstappen refuses to let that be the sole scapegoat.
The recent setback at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, where Verstappen finished in a disappointing sixth place, has raised concerns about the team’s capabilities. Issues with tyre wear and balance have plagued the RB21, a far cry from the dominance Red Bull displayed in previous seasons.
Verstappen acknowledged the limitations of the wind tunnel but stressed that the team has managed to succeed in the past despite these challenges. The new and improved wind tunnel won’t be operational until 2027, leaving Red Bull to work with outdated technology in the meantime.
As rivals like McLaren surge ahead in pace, questions loom over Red Bull’s ability to rectify the foundational flaws in their car’s design. With major regulation changes on the horizon in 2026, time is running out for Red Bull to find solutions and stay competitive in the championship race.
While concerns mount about the team’s future, Verstappen remains pragmatic, pointing out that the 2026 car will be a whole new beast. With uncertainties abound, Red Bull must act swiftly and decisively if they are to salvage their title defense and long-term trajectory in Formula 1.
