Red Bull starts 2025 on the back foot, with Verstappen warning that pure speed—not handling—is their biggest issue this season.
As the 2025 season kicks off in Melbourne, Red Bull’s advisor Dr. Helmut Marko is trying to stay optimistic. However, not everyone in the team shares his outlook.
Max Verstappen has already questioned Marko’s claim that securing a second-row start was still possible in the season opener. Meanwhile, his father, Jos Verstappen, has warned that a tough season could push Max to leave Red Bull sooner than expected.
“The Verstappens are quite pessimistic,” Marko admitted with a smile. “I, on the other hand, try to stay optimistic. For them, the glass is half empty; for me, it’s half full.”
But with Verstappen qualifying third—better than expected—just behind the McLarens, was Marko right to stay positive?
“We had an idea of the gaps, but after winter testing, I didn’t think it would be this significant,” he said. “Still, it’s not as bad as we feared yesterday.”
“We’re two to three tenths behind McLaren. That’s not unbeatable if we put in the work. But even Max can’t perform miracles. If the technical gap is too big, then even the ‘Max factor’ won’t be enough.”
Verstappen’s Frustration: “We’re Just Too Slow”
Unlike last year, where handling issues were a concern, Verstappen believes Red Bull’s biggest problem in 2025 is pure speed—or the lack of it.
“The main issue is that we’re just too slow. It’s not about balance; we simply lack grip,” Verstappen explained. “It’s not particularly good or particularly bad—it’s just what I expected.”
“Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but first, we need to understand where we can make progress.”
“I’m not an aerodynamicist, and I don’t design suspensions. I just drive with what I’m given. I’ll give my feedback, but I can’t tell them how to design a front wing.”
Red Bull Starts 2025 on the Back Foot
Red Bull’s struggles were further highlighted by Liam Lawson’s performance. The replacement for Sergio Pérez failed to reach Q3, raising concerns about the team’s overall competitiveness.
“That’s unacceptable. And the gap to Max should be smaller,” Marko warned.
As the season unfolds, Red Bull finds itself in an unusual position—chasing the competition rather than leading it. Whether they can close the gap remains the biggest question of 2025.
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Verstappen Alarmed: “We’re Just Too Slow!” Verstappen Alarmed: “We’re Just Too Slow!”
