🚗 Red Bull’s 2025 Struggles: A Cracking Foundation?
After three years of dominance, Red Bull Racing finds itself on the defensive in the 2025 Formula 1 season. With just one win in five races, rising tensions, and mounting pressure on Max Verstappen, the team is no longer the benchmark—McLaren is.
This article examines why Red Bull is faltering, what’s happening behind the scenes, and whether they can bounce back before the title slips away.
⚡️ On-Track: Inconsistent Performance, Harsh Penalties
Verstappen has struggled to find his rhythm in 2025. Despite strong qualifying form, he’s been hit with:
- A five-second penalty in Jeddah for cutting the corner against Piastri
- A poor strategy call in Bahrain
- Tire degradation issues in Japan
The Red Bull RB21 is quick, but unpredictable. It lacks the tire management and setup versatility of the McLaren challenger.
🤝 Verstappen: A Champion Under Scrutiny
Max Verstappen remains third in the standings but is visibly frustrated.
“It is what it is... I can’t say more or I’ll get in trouble.” — Verstappen after Saudi Arabia (Formula1.com)
He’s driving aggressively—maybe too aggressively—to compensate for the car’s shortcomings. His clashes with Piastri have sparked debate and raised questions about composure.
🚑 Internal Dynamics: Growing Tension
Behind the scenes, Red Bull faces its own battles:
- Christian Horner and the FIA have clashed over recent rulings
- Technical staff turnover has disrupted consistency
- Rumors swirl around Helmut Marko’s future role
While the team is trying to project unity, insiders suggest there’s growing strain from the top down.
🚀 Development Race: Falling Behind
Red Bull has yet to bring major upgrades this season, while McLaren and Mercedes have evolved significantly. Their aero package appears stagnant compared to rivals.
In a sport where tenths decide championships, Red Bull must:
- Accelerate aerodynamic development
- Improve race-day tire strategy
- Rebuild internal focus
📈 2025 Standings Snapshot (Post-Saudi GP)
Drivers:
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 99 pts
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 89 pts
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 87 pts
Constructors:
- McLaren – 151 pts
- Mercedes – 93 pts
- Red Bull – 71 pts
🌟 Can They Turn It Around?
The Miami GP offers a chance at redemption. Red Bull has the tools: Verstappen’s talent, a fast (but temperamental) car, and deep resources.
But to regain control, they need:
- Calm leadership
- A clear upgrade path
- Verstappen to channel pressure, not push against it
The title fight is far from over—but Red Bull no longer controls the narrative.
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