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Red Bull’s Hopes Dampened at Australian Grand Prix: Can the ‘Max Factor’ Turn the Tide?

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 14, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Red Bull’s Hopes Dampened at Australian Grand Prix: Can the ‘Max Factor’ Turn the Tide?

Formula One F1 - Australian Grand Prix - Practice - Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia - March 14, 2025 Red Bull's Max Verstappen during practice REUTERS/Tracey Nearmy

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Helmut Marko, the senior advisor at Red Bull, has conceded that their hopes for pole position and victory at the Australian Grand Prix are dwindling. Despite this, the impending Sunday showers offer a glimmer of hope, with the possibility of the “Max factor” making a significant impact yet again. The question is, can Max Verstappen pull Red Bull out of the slump in Melbourne?

As the F1 2025 officially kicked off with Friday practice preceding the Australian Grand Prix, the timing screen bore good news for Ferrari and McLaren. Charles Leclerc led FP2, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris trailing closely, placing both McLarens in the top three. However, the same cannot be said for Red Bull. Verstappen could only secure P5 in FP1, slipping further to P7 post the second-hour practice, falling six-tenths behind Leclerc’s pace.

Following FP1, Marko maintained a positive outlook, stating to ORF that the four major teams—Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull—were closely matched. He pointed out that Verstappen’s current standing was not indicative of the ultimate outcome. As the day closed, however, Marko’s optimism was replaced by concern over Red Bull’s performance in Melbourne. He confessed to Sky Germany that the changes made after the first practice did not yield promising results.

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Looking at the Australian GP’s prospects, Marko voiced that the best-case scenario for Red Bull now would be a second-row start at Albert Park and a podium finish. With the RB21 fluctuating between understeer and oversteer, Marko noted the adverse impact this could have on the tyres over a longer run—an unfavourable prospect in a race setting.

In terms of competition, Marko acknowledged McLaren as the most formidable team, with a close contest anticipated among Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull. However, the long-run performance could witness a dramatic shift come Sunday. The forecast predicts a wet track for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, which could play to Verstappen’s strengths. His stellar performance in the rain-drenched Brazilian GP last year, which led to his fourth consecutive World Championship title, stands testament to his prowess in wet conditions.

Marko acknowledged the likelihood of rain, indicating that it could bring the “Max factor” back into play. However, for Verstappen’s new Red Bull teammate, Liam Lawson, the scenario is less encouraging. Lawson managed only P17 in FP2 following an initial practice session that saw him graze the wall at Turn 9. Marko confirmed that this incident caused damage to his RB21’s floor.

Thus, as the Australian Grand Prix looms closer, Marko’s verdict on Red Bull’s chances appears far from promising. However, the potential for rain on race day and the ensuing “Max factor” may yet turn the tide for Red Bull.

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