Max Verstappen has once again demonstrated his extraordinary talent during the 2025 Formula 1 season, securing two wins and four pole positions across challenging races. Despite his achievements, the performance issues affecting the Red Bull team have become increasingly apparent, highlighting the limits of Verstappen’s ability to carry the team alone in a highly competitive championship.
Exceptional Qualifying Drive Contrasted By Team Limitations
Throughout the season, Verstappen has matched the pole position counts of strong rivals like Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, impressing with his command over a less competitive Red Bull RB21. The car has lagged behind the McLaren MCL39, forcing Verstappen to rely on his driving skill to extract top qualifying results. His poles came at Japan, Saudi Arabia, Miami, and Silverstone, though only the Suzuka pole translated into a victory alongside his triumph in Imola.
To keep pace, Red Bull equipped Verstappen’s RB21 with very low downforce settings in recent circuits, a risky strategy meant to boost speed but vulnerable to unpredictable weather. The wet conditions at Silverstone exposed the gamble’s flaw when Verstappen’s race collapsed due to a setup unsuited for rain. Earlier at Spa-Francorchamps, the team had tried a conservative rear wing approach but still risked a lightweight rear wing in the sprint shootout to chase a front-row start, further emphasizing the delicate balancing act Red Bull faces.
Verstappen’s Driving Excellence Praised Amid Warning Signs
Former F1 star Martin Brundle has extensively praised Verstappen’s qualifying performances, describing his control and adaptability in challenging conditions as outstanding. Brundle remarked on Verstappen’s ability to “carry the speed” despite the car’s instability, especially during daring efforts such as those seen at Spa where the Dutch driver attacked corners at full throttle even on minimal downforce.
Yeah, he’s put some laps in, I think I described one of his pole positions as laser-guided,
—Martin Brundle, Former F1 Driver
It was just a beautiful way he was controlling the steering. The car’s moving around; Max can handle that. He just changed his driving style a little bit and carries the speed.
—Martin Brundle, Former F1 Driver
Despite this high praise, Brundle offered a sober reflection on the current state of the team, cautioning,
You can’t pick a car up and carry it for a whole season.
This underscores the undeniable need for Red Bull to improve the RB21’s reliability and competitiveness beyond Verstappen’s individual brilliance.
Championship Gap Widens as Team Pressure Increases
Although Verstappen has shown remarkable consistency and skill, he trails Piastri by a significant margin of 97 points in the driver standings. The growing deficit reveals the cumulative impact of Red Bull‘s challenges and hints at potential shifts in the championship battle if improvements are not made.
With the Formula 1 summer break approaching, attention turns to Red Bull‘s response. The team faces urgent pressure to refine its car and strategy to support Verstappen adequately, ensuring that his talents are not squandered. The current situation represents a critical juncture where Red Bull must address weaknesses to stay competitive against rivals like McLaren.
Looking Ahead: Verstappen’s Talent vs. Team Dynamics
The 2025 season has affirmed Max Verstappen as a dominant qualifier and race driver, but also a competitor constrained by his machinery. His ability to extract performance from a faltering RB21 underscores his status as a four-time world champion. However, the stark reality is that sustained success requires a balanced team effort, including reliable car development and tactical decisions.
Red Bull’s capacity to respond effectively during the upcoming break and beyond will likely shape the remaining season’s trajectory. Verstappen’s brilliance alone may not be enough to overcome the deficits faced, signaling a pivotal moment in the championship battle and a call for strategic recalibration within the team.
