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F1 2025 Season Kickoff: Montoya Predicts Red Bull as Fourth Fastest, Anticipates Closest-Fought Season Yet

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 12, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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F1 2025 Season Kickoff: Montoya Predicts Red Bull as Fourth Fastest, Anticipates Closest-Fought Season Yet

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - FEBRUARY 28: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 on track during day three of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 28, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202502280535 // Usage for editorial use only //

As the 2025 F1 season gears up for its inaugural race in Melbourne, Juan Pablo Montoya, the seven-time grand prix champion, has weighed in on the likely pecking order. Montoya places Red Bull, in a surprising turn, as the fourth-fastest team, even as he hints at the possibility of teams concealing their actual speed in the run-up to the season opener.

McLaren, following a strong performance in the three-day Bahrain test, is tipped as the top contender by Montoya and several other paddock insiders. This places the team ahead of Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari. Red Bull’s chances at the Melbourne race have been further clouded by Max Verstappen’s own admission of not being in the running for the win. Reinforcing this sentiment, Red Bull’s technical director, Pierre Wache, acknowledged that their new vehicle, the RB21, did not meet expectations during the Bahrain tests.

Montoya, in an interview with Oddspedia, echoed Verstappen’s pessimistic outlook, stating, “I agree [with Verstappen that Red Bull can’t win in Melbourne].” He further suggested that the true pace of most teams remains a mystery, with many potentially downplaying their performance. “McLaren are ahead but how far?” Montoya mused, hinting at Ferrari and Mercedes as potential dark horses.

The 2025 F1 season promises to be a nail-biter, with McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes all eyeing the championship title. Adding to the intrigue are several subplots, including Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari, Mercedes’ promotion of 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, and the future of Jack Doohan at Alpine, with Franco Colapinto joining as a reserve.

Montoya provided further predictions, stating, “If it’s a really smooth weekend, I think McLaren should win it,” while also highlighting several intriguing narratives. He pondered whether Oscar Piastri, a native Australian, would outshine his McLaren teammate Lando Norris in the home race, whether Lewis Hamilton could best Charles Leclerc, and how much the competitive gap between them might be. He also questioned whether rookie Antonelli would rise to stardom or crumble under pressure, and how competitive Williams would be this season. Not forgetting Doohan, another Australian racer, Montoya noted, “It’s Doohan’s home race as well, and everybody’s got their eyes on him.”

As the Australian GP approaches, one thing is certain: the 2025 F1 season is set to be one of the most watched and closely contested in recent years. Each twist and turn, every subplot, will be under the microscope, making for a thrilling spectacle for fans and competitors alike.

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