Max Verstappen can’t be faulted for his start to 2025, where he’s consistently maximised the RB21. Unfortunately for the Dutchman, Red Bull’s 2025 package is lacking in performance.
Teammate Liam Lawson is languishing at the back, which – though not a true representation of the RB21’s pace – still paints a worrying picture.
Verstappen believes Lawson would actually be faster in the VCARB, owing to the RB21’s unpredictability.
Red Bull deliver Verstappen with another erratic car
During pre-season, the reigning Champion initially made some positive comments about his new car.
Verstappen was optimistic about the RB21’s handling, which he described as a step forward from its predecessor.
However, the last few sessions have shown some of Red Bull’s limitations.
In many ways, Verstappen’s position in the standings flatters Red Bull.
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari and Oscar Piastri’s McLaren were one step ahead in the China Sprint – whilst George Russell was also hunting him down in the closing stages.
Russell’s P2 in qualifying is a further reminder that Mercedes are legitimate threats.
Yuki Tsunoda managed to fend off Antonelli and Norris in the Sprint Race. He was joined by teammate Isack Hadjar in Q3, cementing VCARB’s strong start to the season.
Although the Faenza team cannot challenge the front-runners on race day, their one-lap pace is impressive.
The VCARB 02 has surpassed all expectations, both in terms of pure lap-time and drivability.
Tsunoda and Hadjar have been extremely complimentary of their 2025 challengers – which has put them in regular top 10 contention.
When asked about the pace VCARB are showing, Verstappen was candid:
“I mean they’re doing very well,” Verstappen told Sky Sports.
“They’re very close to me – maybe that also says something.”
Lawson would be faster in a VCARB, says Verstappen
Red Bull have become notorious for producing cars that are something of a handful. This is true from both a driver and engineering perspective.
Verstappen is capable of wrestling the RB21 to the front, but the same cannot be said for Liam Lawson.
For much of last year, Christian Horner emphasised that making a more drivable car was the team’s priority.
As it stands, they have failed to make the necessary progress in this department.
Verstappen’s comments certainly paint a rather pessimistic picture:
“Are we the fourth [fastest] team? That’s how it feels to me,” he told De Telegraaf.
“I think Liam Lawson would go faster in the Racing Bulls car. Our car is extremely difficult.”
Although Lawson could be under genuine threat of losing his seat, the Dutchman’s remarks will not be welcomed by the engineers at Milton Keynes.
Having worked extensively on the RB21’s development, there is still a gap to McLaren.
Even Ferrari and Mercedes, though susceptible to highs and lows, seem to have more performance at their disposal.
The question for these teams, especially Ferrari, is about extracting everything from their packages.
At Red Bull, the pressing concern is that they are hitting the RB21’s ceiling. As outlined in previous months, the 2026 regulations are forcing teams to be very selective in their resource allocation.
Even putting this to one side, Red Bull appear to be running out of ideas with these regulations.
This seems to be the suspicion of Max Verstappen, whose title defence is looking increasingly difficult.
