While optimism radiates from the Verstappen camp regarding the Red Bull RB21, there’s an undercurrent of apprehension, especially from Jos Verstappen, Max’s father. The stakes are high for Max Verstappen, who aims to clinch his fifth consecutive World Championship. Verstappen’s success hinges on the RB21 living up to its expectations, performing better than its predecessor, and solidifying Red Bull’s standing in the racing world.
The past seasons have seen Verstappen emerge as a dominant force, securing the 2022 and 2023 championships and persevering through a mid-season performance slump to clinch his fourth Drivers’ Championship. Verstappen navigated a 10-race winless streak to secure the title two rounds early, shrugging off the pressure from McLaren’s Lando Norris.
However, as the points return to zero, the anticipation for the 2025 F1 season escalates. The 24-round season sees Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes vying for the championship, setting the stage for what could be a classic F1 season. This year marks the end of the current F1 regulations, with a new set of rules for chassis and power units expected in 2026, potentially reshuffling the pecking order.
Rumours have linked Verstappen with Mercedes and Aston Martin, who will take over Honda’s power from Red Bull in 2026. Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull, which extends until 2028, contains a performance-related clause, as confirmed by Red Bull’s senior advisor Helmut Marko and team principal Christian Horner.
The RB21 is the first Red Bull car since their RB2 that lacks the touch of F1 design maestro Adrian Newey. Instead, Pierre Waché is leading the design of Red Bull’s latest challenger following Newey’s departure to Aston Martin. The question on everyone’s lips, including Jos Verstappen, is whether Red Bull can continue to excel in the post-Newey era.
In an interview with RaceXpress, Jos Verstappen expressed his anxieties. “It’s all new, and we don’t know what the others are up to,” he said. “We are waiting to see how the test goes next week. It’s crucial that Red Bull has produced a good car. If they don’t, I worry about the future. We’re optimistic, but we need to see progress.”
Verstappen’s feedback after a disappointing 2024 Italian Grand Prix was seen as a catalyst for Red Bull’s recovery. When quizzed at the F1 75 season-launch event in London about whether the RB21 can rectify the weaknesses, Verstappen remained non-committal. “We’re working on it, trying to achieve a better balance and maybe change a few approaches. Only time will tell how much we have improved,” he said.
In response to whether the RB21 felt better in the simulator than its predecessor, Verstappen said, “I haven’t spent much time on the sim. I’d rather wait until I’ve driven the real thing.” As the world awaits the unveiling of the Red Bull RB21, the question remains: Will it be a game-changer for Max Verstappen and Red Bull? Only time will tell.
