Red Bull’s Verstappen Headache: A Tough Season Ahead?

Günther Steiner warns Red Bull could struggle to handle Verstappen in 2025 if their dominance fades, potentially leading to rising tensions.

Steiner believes Red Bull could struggle to manage Max Verstappen’s temperament this year if the team’s dominance comes to an end. The former Haas F1 team principal questions whether the Dutchman will be able to remain patient.

“I would say that last year, when he started not winning, he reacted quite aggressively,” Steiner told CNN. “But at some point, I think he realized he had to be smart and bring home as many points as possible, even if he wasn’t winning races.”

“So we have to see which Max we will get. But certainly, if he doesn’t have a good car that allows him to win, he will become very difficult to manage, I would say, because he will make it very clear that he is not happy. And an unhappy Max is not a nice Max, as we all know.”

“But he is a very good driver, I think he is the best at the moment. And he will certainly push to win races and claim the championship again, but it won’t be easy, as we saw last year.”

He advises Red Bull not to overreact if tensions arise early in the season, as it is better to make adjustments: “You have to stay calm and not get frustrated after two races if things are not going in the right direction.”

“If things don’t go our way at the start of the season, we have to work hard to get back to where we want to be, you know, because losing patience and complaining doesn’t help a team, it doesn’t bring it together.”

“And that is obviously what you need when you are not competitive. But above all, I would say: ‘Let’s wait and see where we are, and then we will determine where we want to go and where we can go.’”

Ralf Schumacher, meanwhile, is convinced that Verstappen’s reign is coming to an end: “Last year, it was clear. Red Bull was very strong at the start of the season, but then they couldn’t manage the car. Verstappen was the savior. However, he will have to get used to the fact that it’s all coming to an end. I don’t think he has a chance.”

The former driver believes that if this happens, the three-time world champion could decide to leave his team and take on a new challenge: “Maybe this will help him decide on the next step. I seriously think he is going to fight.”

According to the German, McLaren and Ferrari will battle for the title: “McLaren is very advanced and faster in slow corners. Previously, the car didn’t steer very well at the front, but they have also fixed that issue. Their front end has improved significantly, but Ferrari should do the same. I am curious.”