Max Verstappen’s struggles continue to mount during the 2025 Formula 1 season, as the reigning world champion finds himself effectively out of the title race with McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris leading the charge. At the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen secured a second-place finish, but the result fell short of his expectations, highlighting the ongoing issues with Red Bull’s performance.
Throughout the weekend, Red Bull’s pace could not match that of McLaren, forcing Verstappen to push hard in qualifying to claim third on the grid. At the race start, he aggressively challenged Lando Norris for position, nearly losing control in the process but managing an impressive save to stay on track. Despite this effort, Verstappen lacked the necessary speed to maintain his lead over Norris. However, Norris retired later due to a technical failure, leaving Verstappen to finish right behind winner Oscar Piastri.
Verstappen Criticizes Red Bull’s Lack of Speed and Grip
After the race, Verstappen openly criticized the Red Bull RB21’s performance, describing the car as not being quick enough to compete effectively. The four-time world champion revealed that he had to conserve traction in the corners, unlike rival teams who could push flat out through critical turns such as 7 and 8. Verstappen admitted to a persistent grip problem, which hampered his ability to extract maximum performance during the race.
This blunt assessment reflects Verstappen’s frustration as he expressed concern not only about individual races but also about Red Bull’s overall season. He gave a stark verdict that neither the car nor the team’s current situation meets the standard expected of a championship contender.
Our car is just not quick enough. I also have to save a lot in the quick corners while the other teams can go much quicker through T7/T8. And I still have no grip. That is not good. This car, this season, in the race, is just not good.
—Max Verstappen, post-race comment
Race Day Strategy and Tire Choices Highlight Team Troubles
The Dutch Grand Prix proved difficult for many drivers due to changeable weather and track conditions, forcing intricate tire strategy decisions. While most competitors opted for hard compound tires at some point during the race, Verstappen chose a different approach. Starting on soft tires, he switched onto medium tires instead of the hard tires favored by others when the pit window opened. This decision, supported by multiple Safety Car periods, allowed him to complete the race without using the hardest tire compound.
Red Bull’s tire struggles were evident during practice sessions, where Verstappen revealed that the hard tires provided almost no mechanical grip, a problem not shared by other teams. His inability to run effectively on this compound forced the team into a compromised strategy, underscoring deeper issues within the garage.
Because on Friday the hard tire just felt horrible, 0 grip, no mechanical grip. Everyone can drive on it, apart from us. So that’s shows we just don’t have some things in order.
—Max Verstappen on tire performance
Technical Problems Add Pressure to Red Bull’s Season
Verstappen’s candid remarks about Red Bull’s car highlight the growing gap between the dominant team of previous years and the current midfield challengers like McLaren. His admission that the car is “just not good” this season reflects ongoing technical difficulties that have left the team scrambling to find solutions.
Despite his position as the lead Red Bull driver, Verstappen has been unable to assert dominance at races where Red Bull previously excelled. The Dutchman’s frustration is palpable, as his talent and determination meet the limitations of a car struggling with balance and grip.
As the 27-year-old aims to keep pressure on the championship contenders, his struggle to maintain pace even after overtaking rival McLarens reveals how urgent it is for Red Bull to address these deficiencies before the final races.
Race Incidents and Tire Strategies Shape the Dutch GP Outcome
The challenging conditions at the Dutch Grand Prix, including mixed weather and frequent Safety Car deployments, played a pivotal role in the race outcome. Lewis Hamilton’s crash due to slippery track conditions underscored the difficulties faced. Other drivers had to carefully manage slick tires to avoid losing control, adding complexity to pit stop decisions.
Verstappen’s choice to avoid the hard tire compound differentiated him from the rest of the field and showed the limits Red Bull faced in adapting to conditions. While other teams capitalized with stronger tire options, Red Bull’s grip issues limited Verstappen’s tactical flexibility.
Implications for Verstappen and Red Bull Moving Forward
Max Verstappen’s pointed critique of Red Bull’s performance signals serious concerns about the team’s prospects for the remainder of the season. With McLaren drivers ahead in the championship and Red Bull struggling to keep pace, the situation demands urgent technical and strategic improvements.
The Dutch GP demonstrated Verstappen’s resilience and skill, but the car deficiencies overshadowed his efforts, leaving him with little room to challenge for wins as the season progresses. Red Bull’s inability to maximize tire performance and car speed risks further losses in championship points.
As the Formula 1 season advances, Verstappen and his team face a critical period to resolve these issues, or risk fading further behind in the title fight. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s public frustration may increase pressure within Red Bull to deliver a more competitive car.
