After facing a formidable challenge from McLaren’s Lando Norris in the races following the summer break, Red Bull and Max Verstappen worked diligently to resolve performance issues with their RB20. The team regained its competitive edge by addressing these troubles, culminating in decisive victories in recent races. A standout moment for Verstappen came during the wet conditions of the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he delivered a masterclass that set the stage for securing the championship title in Las Vegas. Despite finishing behind competitors from Mercedes and Ferrari in the Vegas race, Verstappen had already done enough to clinch the driver’s championship.
However, Red Bull remains dubious about its prospects for the 2025 season. While the team successfully overcame challenges this year, much of their success was built on a strong start to the campaign. Looking ahead, Red Bull acknowledges that maintaining dominance in the face of growing competition will require significant improvements and innovation.
Red Bull Underconfident About The 2025 F1 Project
Red Bull’s technical director, Pierre Wache, offered a cautious perspective on the team’s prospects for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Despite progress made with the RB20 this year, Wache expressed reservations about next season, emphasizing the fierce competition posed by rival teams. He acknowledged that while the team has performed well, sustaining dominance will be a year-long challenge given how close the competition has become.
Wache viewed his lack of confidence as a motivational driver for Red Bull. He stressed that overconfidence in the high-stakes environment of Formula 1 could lead to complacency. Instead, the team thrives on constant effort, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of performance gains, with every team member contributing to marginal improvements.
Reflecting on Red Bull’s recent dominance, Wache admitted it had been unexpected. The team anticipated closer competition, particularly in 2023, when Ferrari had a strong start but fell behind as the season progressed. Similarly, in 2024, Red Bull’s consistent edge over rivals was surprising, as the car itself had not undergone groundbreaking changes. Wache suggested that the lack of challenges earlier in the season was due to rival teams underperforming at key moments rather than Red Bull’s car being exceptionally superior. Looking ahead, Wache emphasized the need to enhance the car’s performance further, as competitors like McLaren and Ferrari are rapidly closing the gap. Despite past success, Red Bull remains focused on staying ahead in an increasingly competitive field.
This Is How Monza Downturn Turned The Table For Red Bull
Pierre Wache highlighted the Monza Grand Prix as a pivotal moment for Red Bull during the 2024 season. The race served as a wake-up call, exposing underlying issues with the RB20 that had either gone unnoticed or were previously only suspected. This moment of clarity was crucial in driving the team to address the car’s weaknesses.
What stood out most for Wache was the team’s ability to respond effectively. The issues identified in Monza prompted swift action, leading to improvements that mitigated the problems. When the team reached Austin, Red Bull had introduced updates that enhanced the car’s performance. Even Max Verstappen acknowledged that the updates made the car feel more cohesive and competitive on track. This ability to identify and resolve critical issues demonstrated Red Bull’s adaptability and technical expertise, ensuring they remained strong contenders despite mid-season challenges.
