Max Verstappen argues that Red Bull’s primary concern in 2025 should not be the driver alongside him. After years of speculation about his teammates, Verstappen explains that extracting more performance must be Red Bull’s priority.
Verstappen: Five teams could be at the front
For the majority of last season, speculation surrounded the Red Bull camp. Sergio Perez’s future at the team was under immense scrutiny, despite signing a contract extension early in the season.
The Mexican driver’s inability to secure strong points finishes or qualify in the top 10 became a recurring talking point.
Following months of hints suggesting Perez would be replaced, Red Bull eventually made the decision to replace him with Liam Lawson for 2025.
Generally speaking, the debate surrounding the Milton Keynes squad surrounded Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda.
Heading into this season, there will be immense pressure on Lawson to prove that he was the correct option to drive alongside Max Verstappen.
Most analysts and fans have reached the consensus that Tsunoda was the more sensible choice for Red Bull – having put together several impressive seasons at VCARB.
However, the reigning Champion is not focused on who will be on the opposite side of the garage. Instead, Verstappen argues that Red Bull’s development is what will decide the team’s success this season:
“If we can get the car back to the front, the name in the other cockpit won’t matter,” he told Swiss outlet Blick.
“I don’t have a crystal ball, but if we can rectify certain weaknesses over the winter – we’ll be back at the front. But I’m certainly not making any predictions here.
“Five teams should be fighting at the front. The weaknesses have been narrowed down.
“We often lacked the necessary balance because we simply couldn’t get into the low-temperature window.”
Red Bull must bridge the gap
There is plenty of logic to Verstappen’s reasoning. After all, he secured last year’s Championship despite McLaren having the fastest car for the majority of the season.
Whilst Verstappen deserves praise for performing at such a high level in 2025, Red Bull cannot depend on the Dutchman’s heroics to compensate for their poor development.
It is imperative that Christian Horner’s team can unlock more performance over the winter break. Based on their trajectory last season – where upgrades to the RB20 were often ineffective – there is plenty of work to do.
Regardless, Verstappen is correct to emphasise that improvements are necessary if the Austrian team want to fight for the Championship.
Ferrari, McLaren and even Mercedes were all capable of winning races last year – and there is reason to suggest they will be in contention once again in 2025.
Because of this, Red Bull cannot afford another year of stagnation. Of course, Liam Lawson’s output will also be pivotal to their aspirations in the constructors title.
However, it is safe to assume that Lawson is not expected to outperform the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in his first full F1 season.
Instead, his responsibility will be to reinforce teammate Max Verstappen – who will carry Red Bull’s title aspirations once again.
