Formula 1 icon, Max Verstappen, has expressed his uncertainty over whether the issues that plagued Red Bull Racing in 2024 have been fully resolved. Despite Red Bull’s target of rectifying balance problems that led to a steep mid-season slump with the RB20, Verstappen seems to maintain a cautious stance, especially based on pre-season testing alone.
His initial impressions of the RB21 during the Bahrain testing were encouraging, citing it as a more predictable racing package compared to the previous model. Yet, the team’s final outing was marked by a perplexing situation due to problems with a revised floor which resulted in the team completing the least number of laps.
As the Australian Grand Prix approaches, Verstappen has been careful to avoid any premature declarations that the Red Bull’s previous constraints have been entirely addressed. Expressing his concern over the recurring issues, he stated to the media, including Motorsport Week, “We’ll do our best to make it as competitive as possible.”
Verstappen further emphasized the unique nature of the current season, as it is the last under the existing regulations. This brings with it a certain level of uncertainty and the need to maintain focus on the present while also preparing for upcoming changes.
He also acknowledged the stark contrast between the Bahrain and Australia tracks, making it challenging to definitively confirm whether the issues have been completely fixed. In a tone of patience and resilience, Verstappen noted, “I guess we just have to be patient and see how much we can regain.”
In a candid assessment of Red Bull’s prospects, Verstappen admitted that Red Bull is “not the quickest” at the moment. However, he recalled the team’s dramatic swing in competitiveness during the previous season, suggesting that their current deficit is not insurmountable. Commenting on the unpredictability of the season, he noted that “a lot of things can always change quite quickly in Formula 1.”
This season, Verstappen will be racing alongside new teammate Liam Lawson, who replaces Sergio Perez following a turbulent 2024 season. With less than a dozen F1 starts under his belt with Red Bull’s affiliate team, Lawson admitted that he was not in a position to comment on the progress the senior team has made.
He indicated that Verstappen, with his wealth of experience, would be better equipped to provide a comparative analysis. For Lawson, the focus is on adapting to the current situation and trying to match Verstappen’s performance.
Despite the uncertainty, both drivers are gearing up for a competitive season. As Verstappen rightly pointed out, only time will tell where everyone truly stands, underscoring the dynamism and unpredictability inherent in the world of Formula 1.