The ground-effect era is nearing its conclusion as the 2026 regulatory overhaul draws closer. Red Bull emerged as the dominant force during this phase, similar to Mercedes during the turbo-hybrid era. The Milton Keynes-based team demonstrated unmatched prowess, making them almost invincible under these regulations.
However, their dominant streak appears to be ending, with teams like McLaren and Ferrari finally mastering the intricacies of ground-effect aerodynamics. This breakthrough has put Red Bull on the brink of losing its championship crown to McLaren. With only three races remaining this season, teams, including Red Bull, have already shifted their focus to the next campaign. As the ground-effect era winds down, significant efforts to revamp cars for this final stretch are unlikely.
Red Bull “Will Be Nervous” Before Unveiling RB21
Red Bull’s chief engineer, Paul Monaghan, recently shared his perspective on the team’s outlook for the 2025 F1 season. He acknowledged that, despite having well-laid plans for their next car, there is always an air of nervous anticipation before the first test. This sentiment stems from the uncertainties surrounding the performance of rival teams and how Red Bull’s progress stacks up against them.
The reigning Constructors’ Champions are experiencing a challenging season. With three races left, they trail Ferrari by 13 points and McLaren by 49. This marks a noticeable decline for the team that dominated the two previous championships. Meanwhile, Ferrari and McLaren have significantly advanced in the development race, pushing Red Bull into contention for being the third-fastest team on the grid.
Monaghan explained that while Red Bull has been working on its 2025 car since mid-season, the process is complicated by the overlapping demands of preparing for the major regulatory changes in 2026. The team has a clear direction for the updates they want to implement, but the ultimate measure of success will be their relative performance against competitors. As Red Bull transitions into the final stages of the current regulations, the winter break becomes a critical period to refine their car and regain lost ground in the ever-evolving F1 landscape.
Red Bull Aiming For 2025 World Championship
Despite a dip in performance and the likely end of their Constructors’ Championship-winning streak, Red Bull remains committed to reclaiming both titles in 2025. Chief engineer Paul Monaghan emphasized the team’s determination to stay competitive, even as the challenges for the upcoming season appear significant.
Although Max Verstappen seems poised to secure his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship this year, Monaghan acknowledged that 2025 will demand substantial effort from the team. Red Bull has identified key areas of focus and is preparing for an intense development phase to enhance their car’s performance.
Monaghan stressed that the team is determined to challenge for next year’s championships. Achieving this goal will require a united effort from everyone at Red Bull Racing, utilizing the collective expertise and skills within the organization. Despite the uphill battle, the team is resolute in pursuing its objectives.