Max Verstappen may have clinched his fourth consecutive Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship in 2024, but the journey was anything but smooth. Behind the scenes, Red Bull Racing grappled with performance issues that left the RB20 struggling for balance, speed, and consistency. In a season where McLaren, Ferrari, and even Mercedes closed the gap, Verstappen’s early dominance proved vital in holding off a late-season surge from Lando Norris.
The Uphill Battle with the RB20
While Verstappen stormed to seven wins in the first 10 races, Red Bull’s performance began to falter after an upgrade introduced at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The issues culminated in a disastrous weekend at Monza, where the team hit rock bottom. According to team boss Christian Horner, that was the moment Red Bull found clarity. But for Verstappen, the turning point came from his own feedback during that pivotal weekend.
“All plans for new parts, which were to come after that [Monza], could be thrown into the bin,” Verstappen revealed. “The team actually started from scratch after that. Before that, they couldn’t find the exact problem.”
Verstappen’s analysis, based on cornering data and aerodynamic behavior, pinpointed the balance issues that had plagued the car all season. “I saw certain aerodynamic shifts in how we entered corners, turned into corners, and in terms of ride heights. It was different from last year’s car,” he explained. “I said, ‘Hey, it’s very clear that this and this is the problem.’ That turned out to be right.”
Early Dominance Saved the Day
Despite the RB20’s struggles, Verstappen’s dominant start to the season—winning seven of the first 10 races—created a buffer that ultimately secured his title. Victories in Brazil and Qatar towards the season’s end highlighted the team’s recovery, but Verstappen was quick to acknowledge that defending his title in 2025 would require significant improvements.
“If we continue like this, I won’t be champion next year. It’s as simple as that,” Verstappen warned in an interview with De Telegraaf. “We know that we need to be better over the kerbs, bumps, and in the slow corners. Those are generally our weaknesses.”
The “Magic Brake” Controversy
One of the RB20’s biggest setbacks came after the FIA reportedly forced Red Bull to abandon a torque-vectoring system nicknamed the “Magic Brake.” This system had been crucial in mitigating slow-speed corner understeer, a persistent challenge for today’s heavier, ground-effect-reliant cars. While Verstappen did not directly reference the system, he alluded to unexplained factors that hindered the team’s performance mid-season.
“Things happened in the background that meant we had no chance at all in certain races. I know that for sure, but no one will ever admit that,” Verstappen hinted cryptically.
Rising Competition from Rivals
The 2024 season marked a significant shift in the F1 landscape. McLaren emerged as Red Bull’s primary challenger, with Lando Norris delivering consistent performances that kept the title fight alive. Ferrari and Mercedes also made strides, positioning themselves as serious contenders for 2025.
Verstappen recognized the growing threat: “At the beginning of last season, we were still winning our races convincingly, but I felt even then that the balance of the car did not feel the way I wanted it to. Back then, we still had a big lead over the other teams, who might not have had a very good winter.”
With the competition catching up, Red Bull faces a daunting task to maintain its dominance in 2025.
Looking Ahead: A Winter of Change
Red Bull’s engineers are under pressure to address the RB20’s weaknesses before the new season begins. Verstappen remains optimistic about the team’s ability to bounce back. “I trust the team that they can fix the balance issues from last season,” he said. “Certain things that we couldn’t adjust last year will be changed for next year.”
However, the Dutchman emphasized the importance of continuous improvement. “I always keep the pressure on, also on myself. I try not to think too lightly about things. At one point, the car was barely driveable. There was no more to get out of it than this.”
2025: A New Challenge
As the Formula 1 grid tightens, Verstappen knows the path to a fifth championship will be even tougher. With McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes poised to challenge from the outset, Red Bull must deliver a car capable of competing across all track conditions.
For Verstappen, the key to success lies not just in raw speed but in balance, adaptability, and the ability to overcome adversity—qualities that defined his 2024 campaign. As the winter break looms, all eyes will be on Red Bull Racing as they prepare for what promises to be a fiercely contested 2025 season.
