Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominated the grid with the arrival of the ground-effect era in 2022, reaching an extraordinary peak in 2023 when Verstappen won 19 out of 23 Formula 1 races. This brought one of the most remarkable seasons in F1 history for both driver and team. However, the 2025 season has exposed a sharp contrast, as Verstappen has expressed serious concerns about the RB21 chassis and its overall performance, marking a clear departure from past success.
The reigning world champion has openly criticized the RB21, suggesting it does not meet the high expectations set by the team and highlighting his diminished prospects for this year’s championship. Verstappen even admitted uncertainty about winning another F1 title in his career but remains composed about the situation. Despite isolated victories, the current season has been challenging for both the driver and Red Bull’s technical crew.
Comparing the RB19 and RB21: Verstappen Labels the 2025 Car a ‘Monster’
Reflecting on the differences between the two seasons, Verstappen pointed out that the RB19 was the dominant car in 2023, enabling him to break several world records. In contrast, he described the RB21 from 2025 as a “monster” that has posed multiple difficulties during races, making consistent victories harder to secure. Nevertheless, Verstappen continues to push the car to its limits, frustrating their competitors who struggled to keep pace.
“In 2023 we still had the most dominant car, but we have turned it into a monster.”
— Max Verstappen
Despite Italian GP Success, Verstappen Remains Cautious About Season Outlook
Max Verstappen delivered an exceptional performance to win the Italian Grand Prix in 2025, adding another impressive win to his season tally with the RB21. Although this victory was a highlight, he conveyed realistic expectations for the remainder of the year, anticipating only sporadic chances to contend for wins in the remaining races. Verstappen emphasized that while the team achieved a vital success at Monza, Red Bull has not yet regained its previous dominance.
“There will probably be be a couple of circuits where we have a good chance, but it’s not like we’ve completely turned the car around and now will be leading the pack. We needed to be succesful this weekend, and we were.”
— Max Verstappen
Despite these challenges, Verstappen’s recent victories prove his resilience. With three wins in 2025, including the Italian GP, he remains 94 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, signaling an uphill battle if he is to defend his world champion status. His performance under pressure continues to stand out amid a difficult season.
Implications of the 2025 Struggles for Red Bull and Verstappen
The difficulties faced by Max Verstappen and Red Bull in 2025 mark a significant shift in momentum after their dominance in recent years. The struggles with the RB21 chassis reveal challenges in adapting to new regulations and design constraints. This situation underscores the intense level of competition in Formula 1 and the fine margins that separate top teams.
Verstappen’s candid comments and the team’s ongoing efforts suggest that Red Bull is focused on refining their car and strategy to remain competitive. Future updates and developments will be critical as the season progresses, with Red Bull eager to regain their former winning form and Verstappen striving to stay in the championship hunt.
