Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen is ready to embrace the challenges of 2025 as Red Bull Racing aims to rebound from a turbulent end to the 2024 season. While the team’s dominance under the current regulations brought Verstappen another title, the road was far from smooth, with a mid-season slump casting doubts on their form.
Now, as the new season looms, Verstappen has expressed cautious optimism about Red Bull’s championship prospects, emphasizing the team’s resilience and collective effort to address their struggles.
A Season of Contrasts: Dominance Meets Adversity
Verstappen opened 2024 with seven wins in the first 10 rounds, setting the stage for another record-breaking year. But Red Bull’s RB20 faced severe balance issues in the mid-season stretch, culminating in a 10-race winless drought and harsh criticism from Verstappen, who labeled the car a “monster” after the Italian Grand Prix.
Despite the slump, Red Bull turned a corner late in the season with significant updates in Austin, allowing Verstappen to clinch two victories and secure his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship. Reflecting on the team’s response to adversity, Verstappen commended Red Bull’s calm and methodical approach.
Red Bull’s Recovery Plan for 2025
Verstappen believes Red Bull’s ability to remain composed during its struggles will be key to delivering a competitive car in 2025.
“When you come out of a season like last year, where we broke every record, and then at one point start to struggle, it’s important to remain calm and try to fix it,” Verstappen explained.
“The team stayed together, analyzed everything, and worked tirelessly. What we saw in Austin was just the beginning of those improvements.”
Verstappen also acknowledged the significant upgrades planned for the RB21, which he hopes will make the car more predictable and competitive across varying tracks.
Underdogs, Not Overwhelmed
While Verstappen anticipates fierce competition from McLaren and Ferrari, he welcomes the underdog status for Red Bull heading into 2025.
“We won’t be the favourites, but that’s okay,” Verstappen admitted.
“Sometimes, it’s good not to be the favourite. It motivates you to push harder. We still need to change a lot of things to be number one again, but we have a lot of ideas, and I know we’ll come back stronger.”
What’s at Stake in 2025?
The upcoming season promises to be a battle royale among F1’s top teams, with McLaren, fresh off a Constructors’ Championship, and Ferrari, bolstered by Lewis Hamilton’s arrival, both posing significant threats. Verstappen’s ability to adapt and maximize results will be pivotal as Red Bull works to regain its edge.
“Even when you’re not the quickest, maximizing results can make a big difference,” Verstappen said.
“It’s about staying consistent and keeping the pressure on. We’ve done it before, and we’ll do it again.”
As Red Bull heads into 2025, Verstappen’s confidence in the team’s recovery and his own ability to perform under pressure ensures that the Dutchman remains a formidable contender. Whether as the underdog or the hunted, Verstappen’s journey this season promises to be a gripping chapter in his already storied career.
