In the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 championship, Red Bull’s chief advisor, Helmut Marko, is banking on internal rivalries within McLaren or the exceptional skills of their ace driver, Max Verstappen, to secure a double win for the team.
Marko’s confidence comes despite McLaren’s triumphant return to form last year, where they clinched their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, thanks to the combined efforts of drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The duo, however, was unable to unsettle Verstappen, who sealed his fourth consecutive title post the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Team McLaren’s victory was marred by internal team order disputes, particularly at Hungary and Monza. The team’s late decision to favor Norris in his title fight against Verstappen was a strategic move that did not yield anticipated results. It was too late for the Briton to catch up with his Dutch competitor.
Looking ahead to the 2025 championships, Norris and McLaren are widely seen as the potential winners. Marko, however, believes that Piastri could disrupt this prediction by challenging his own teammate. He anticipates that the internal competition within McLaren could provide Red Bull with an opportunity to swoop in and score crucial points.
In an interview with sport.de, Marko stated: “I rate Piastri as strong, and so I hope that they keep points away from each other, which we can take advantage of.” He also pointed out that Piastri’s refusal to play second fiddle to Norris could create further friction within the team, providing Red Bull with a distinct advantage.
Even if Red Bull grapples with subpar car performance, Marko is confident that Verstappen’s brilliance can carry the team through. “If the car is not optimal, we always have the joker, Max, who can put his brilliance on display,” he added.
Speaking on the team’s preparations for the upcoming season, Marko revealed that post the pre-season testing in Bahrain, Red Bull is playing catch-up. He believes McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari are ahead, with McLaren having a clear edge based on test results.
Reflecting on the 2024 season, Red Bull’s early momentum was instrumental in Verstappen’s championship win. This time around, a quick start will be key to Red Bull’s double win aspirations.
On the other hand, McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, has been cautious in his projections for the upcoming season. He stressed that McLaren’s impressive long-run pace during testing may not necessarily translate into success across different circuits.
As the teams gear up for the 2025 championships, it is evident that strategic decisions, team dynamics, and individual talent will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome. For Red Bull, it’s either about capitalizing on McLaren’s internal discord or relying on their star driver, Verstappen, to bring home the titles.
