Daniil Kvyat has addressed the ongoing issue of Max Verstappen’s team-mates struggling at Red Bull Racing, clarifying that the team’s F1 cars are not specifically designed for Verstappen. Instead, Kvyat believes the root cause lies in team-mates missing an essential element of the car’s performance “puzzle,” which results in drastic and damaging consequences on the track.
Background of Red Bull’s Team-Mate Changes Since Verstappen’s Arrival
Max Verstappen joined Red Bull Racing in 2016, taking the seat previously held by Daniil Kvyat and partnering with Daniel Ricciardo. Ricciardo’s sudden exit at the end of 2018 led the team principal Christian Horner to promote Pierre Gasly prematurely. Gasly’s tenure was short-lived, lasting only until mid-2019 before Alex Albon replaced him. Albon stayed for around 18 months before Sergio Perez arrived in late 2020, bringing more stability to the team.</p>
Perez remained Verstappen’s team-mate for three seasons, but a disappointing 2024 campaign saw Red Bull lose the Constructors’ Championship, resulting in Perez’s unexpected replacement by rookie Liam Lawson. Lawson’s stay was brief, spanning just two races before he was demoted to Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls, with Yuki Tsunoda moving up to fill the vacancy. However, Tsunoda’s performance has raised eyebrows so far, managing only seven points in five races compared to Verstappen’s dominant 88 points.
Why Do Verstappen’s Team-Mates Struggle to Match His Performance?
Considering the difficulty many of Verstappen’s teammates have faced, speculation has grown that the Red Bull RB21 is customized primarily for the Dutchman. Responding to this, Daniil Kvyat stated in an official F1 interview that while it might seem logical for the car to be tailor-made for the four-time World Champion, the reality involves far more complexity.
Kvyat explained that Formula 1 cars operate within highly precise parameters, including tyre temperature, setup, aero balance, and operating windows. Missing “one piece of the puzzle” can cause significant performance drops. He emphasized that a driver’s inability to keep the car and tyres within these exact parameters can cost them around half a second per lap, which is critical in racing.
“It’s a very interesting process, but if you get lost in it, it can really ruin your chances, and with Checo [Perez] – I don’t know, I didn’t drive that car, so I can’t tell you for sure.”
— Daniil Kvyat, Former F1 Driver
He also acknowledged the inherent challenge for Verstappen’s team-mates who must compete against someone operating at near perfection. This overwhelming standard has even impacted promising drivers like Liam Lawson, who could not cope with the pressure and was quickly moved to a lesser role.
Understanding Red Bull’s Internal Decisions on Team-Mate Line-Up
Kvyat admitted the team’s choices can be tough but suggested that Red Bull Racing understands better than anyone what their priorities are. He pointed out that while Verstappen’s part of the team seems flawless and meticulously optimized, the rest of the setup appears more chaotic by comparison.
“I don’t know, I can’t tell the details, without being a part of the team for sure. What I know is, it is a fast car when you make it work – and why they can’t make it work is another question.”
— Daniil Kvyat, Former F1 Driver
This insight hints at a deeper issue: the challenge is less about the physical car itself and more about the precise compatibility between driver style and car setup. Red Bull’s consistent shuffling of drivers could reflect the team’s ongoing search for the right “fit” to unlock the RB21’s full potential alongside Verstappen.
The Broader Impact and Future Prospects
The situation reveals serious implications for Red Bull’s long-term strategy, highlighting the delicate balance required to maintain dominance in Formula 1. Verstappen’s unmatched ability to remain within the car’s precise operating window sets an incredibly high bar, making it difficult for any team-mate to replicate his success.
With Yuki Tsunoda’s current struggles and Lawson’s swift demotion, Red Bull faces pressure to find a co-driver who can not only handle the technical complexity of their car but also withstand the mental demands of racing alongside a world champion. How the team resolves this will shape their competitiveness moving forward, particularly as rival manufacturers continue to close the gap.
Ultimately, the challenges Red Bull encounters in pairing Verstappen with a strong team-mate emphasize the sophistication and fine margins of Formula 1. The “catastrophic” missing piece that Kvyat described remains the critical obstacle preventing a balanced and fully effective driver lineup at Red Bull.
