Verstappen speaks realistically about Red Bull’s chances in 2025 season

Ahead of the Austrian GP, Max Verstappen shares his realistic outlook on Red Bull Racing’s prospects in the 2025 season — the team still trails McLaren in overall grip, particularly in low to medium-speed corners.

Red Bull has implemented incremental improvements since the season’s start, including a new floor in Miami and front wing changes in Barcelona. According to team advisor Helmut Marko, the Austrian upgrade will be their final push before shifting focus to 2026 car development.

“There are a couple of races coming up now where things can possibly change,” Verstappen stated at the Red Bull Ring. “We will see how much of a difference this package can make. Hopefully it will help, but I don’t know if it will be enough.”

Currently third in the drivers’ standings, the four-time world champion acknowledges the challenge of catching McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. At the recent Canadian GP, Red Bull only managed fifth-fastest pace — their success primarily stemming from perfect strategy execution.