Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, didn’t hold back his feelings about Red Bull’s underwhelming RB20 chassis after a challenging season. Following a P5 qualifying result for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen humorously suggested that the car deserved a permanent spot in a museum—never to be driven again.
“I’ll be putting the RB20 in a museum and never touching it again!” the Dutchman quipped, summing up his frustrations with a car that failed to match the dominant pace of McLaren.
A Season of Struggles Despite the Title
While Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship in 2024, his achievements came in spite of, rather than because of, the RB20’s performance. Red Bull’s attempts to improve the chassis fell short, leaving Verstappen to fight uphill battles against McLaren’s superior machinery.
The 27-year-old remained vocal about the car’s shortcomings throughout the season, often seen lamenting its lack of pace during race weekends. His remark in Abu Dhabi reflects a season-long struggle that left Red Bull trailing not only McLaren but also facing increasing pressure from Ferrari and other midfield teams.
Looking Ahead to the Final Race
Heading into the season finale, Verstappen was realistic about his chances, admitting he wasn’t expecting to challenge for victory. “I’ll do my best during the race, but I’m looking forward to having a bit of vacation. It’s been enough this year,” Verstappen said.
The Dutchman’s focus now appears to be on resetting for 2025, especially with the recent announcement of Kelly Piquet’s pregnancy adding a personal milestone to his calendar. Verstappen’s remarks highlight a clear desire to move on from a grueling season that featured a record 24 races without any cancellations.
Red Bull’s Challenge for 2025
Red Bull enters the offseason with significant questions to address. The team’s RB20 fell short of expectations, leading to the loss of the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren in a year that saw the Woking team’s resurgence. Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez also struggled for consistency, further compounding Red Bull’s woes.
Milton Keynes now faces a critical winter of development to ensure competitiveness in 2025, the final year of the current ground-effect regulations. A return to form is crucial as the team seeks to reclaim its status as the dominant force in Formula 1.
The Final Word: ‘Enough This Year’
Verstappen’s witty jab at the RB20 underscores a season that, while personally successful, was far from satisfying for the team. As the curtain falls on 2024, the Dutchman’s focus turns to a well-earned break—and a fresh start in a season that Red Bull hopes will mark their return to glory. For now, though, the RB20 seems destined to become a museum relic—a symbol of a challenging yet unforgettable chapter in Verstappen’s career.