Red Bull were uncharacteristically undeveloped last year, failing to introduce significant solutions to the RB20. Thanks to McLaren’s unforced errors and moments of brilliance from Verstappen, they managed to clinch the drivers’ crown. However, questions still loom about their 2025 package.
No margin for error at Red Bull
Thanks to Red Bull’s superiority in the opening rounds, Max Verstappen created a large points advantage in the standings.
This gave the Dutchman an important cushion over Lando Norris, who benefited from a better package post-Miami. Of course, Verstappen can look back on last year’s campaign and be more than satisfied with his performance.
However, Red Bull cannot say the same about their development. They were comprehensively out-developed by McLaren and Ferrari, with even Mercedes bridging the gap at certain events.
If last year’s trend continues, the Milton Keynes squad could find themselves losing even more ground.
Unless Max Verstappen can perform more heroics, this scenario will make Championship contention extremely difficult.
Analysing the current situation, Helmut Marko believes that Red Bull need to focus on giving Verstappen a drivable car.
Red Bull look to Verstappen as a difference-maker
By accomplishing this, the 81-year-old believes a fifth consecutive drivers’ title is within reach:
“The regulations will be in their final year next season, so there will be hardly any changes,” he told Kleine Zeitung.
“The cars of this era have their pitfalls, however. And the working window of the tires in particular causes problems for many teams.
“Sometimes you can’t do anything after a small change in temperature. If you look at the last six months, Ferrari and McLaren were clearly the strongest teams.”
As opposed to 2022 or 2023, when Red Bull were dominant, this year will see multiple teams challenging for victory.
Unlike last season, Christian Horner’s team are not heavy favourites heading into round one.
Despite this, there is optimism that Verstappen can once again make the difference when it matters:
“So we need to find a car that has a wide working window,” Marko continued.
“And doesn’t react so capriciously to the smallest changes.
“If we manage to do that halfway, we’ll automatically be in contention for the World Championship again thanks to the Max Factor.”
Ferrari and McLaren have the momentum
To some extent, every team will rely on their drivers to get them over the line.
Leclerc, Hamilton, Norris and Russell all believe they are capable of becoming Champions if they are within touching range of the fastest car.
With this in mind, Helmut Marko’s comments are not necessarily out of the ordinary. Every team principal will argue that their drivers can extract the final tenth required to secure victory.
Still, it is noteworthy that Red Bull relied heavily on Max Verstappen’s brilliance to compensate for their shortcomings in 2024.
This approach is unlikely to work a second time in 2025. It is imperative that Red Bull can prove they have not reached the ‘ceiling’ with their concept for these regulations.
McLaren and Ferrari have made no secret they are taking risks with their new cars. All eyes are on the 2023 constructors Champions to prove they haven’t run out of ideas.
