F1 champion Max Verstappen dealt title blow as Red Bull chief issues DAMNING 2025 verdict

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Verstappen dealt title blow as Red Bull chief issues DAMNING 2025 verdict

Red Bull are aiming to bounce back after a largely disappointing 2024

Originally written by Kevin McKenna. This version is a translation.

Friday 7 February 2025 04:00

One of Red Bull's senior figures has issued a damning verdict on their chances in 2025, dealing a blow to Max Verstappen's title hopes.

The Dutchman heads into the new campaign able to make it five world championships on the bounce after his 2024 triumph. However, it does not sound as though a key figure within Red Bull is confident after how last season panned out.

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Despite starting the year in ominous form, Verstappen suffered a drastic drop-off in performance midway through the year.

At one stage, the 27-year-old went 10 grands prix without a victory, a run which enabled McLaren star Lando Norris to mount a realistic championship challenge.

Verstappen's brilliant triumph at the Brazilian Grand Prix in early November, however, all but guaranteed he would retain his trophy, with his fifth-place finish at the following race in Las Vegas enough to seal the deal.

Max Verstappen collected his fourth world drivers' championship in 2024

Verstappen will partner Liam Lawson this season after Sergio Perez's sacking

Can Red Bull be world champions in 2025?

Yet while there is excitement ahead of the new era, the team's technical director Pierre Wache has urged caution.

Speaking to Autosport, the Frenchman admitted there is no guarantee Red Bull will make an immediate return to the top of the order.

Pierre Wache (second from left) is anticipating a difficult year ahead for Red Bull

"I think we are happy with what we have done quickly," he said.

“I'm not confident for '25. I'm not confident because I think the others are very quick or are there. It will be a fight for the full year.

"If you have confidence in this business, you are dead. You have to work hard, and everybody has to, in the team, work hard. Everybody's working hard.

“When you see the number of people we have trying to find a very small amount of performance and add and add and add everywhere, it is a very difficult task.

“I have a lack of confidence, because if I have confidence, you go to sleep, you don't go to work, and then you don't find performance.”

Red Bull Max Verstappen Lando Norris Daytona 500