Verstappen and RB21: a high-risk relationship
Max Verstappen may have four world titles to his name and a formidable record of consistency, but his 2025 season with Red Bull is far from a smooth ride. In Barcelona, he revealed a recurring problem: an ultra-high-performance but capricious single-seater whose balance hangs by a thread.
A high-performance car… when it wants to… The observation is made candidly. For several races, Red Bull has been tiptoeing around on Fridays. Between oversteering, understeering, or a complete lack of grip, the RB21 refuses to reveal its secrets on the first attempt. In Barcelona, Max Verstappen reiterated: “It’s not so easy with our car, because it’s very easy to get out of the window, and then, when you get there, everything works quite well.”
In plain terms: the potential is there, but it only reveals itself if one manages to slip into this ultra-narrow performance window. It’s a game of millimeter precision, where the slightest adjustment error can ruin an entire session.
Barcelona, a test circuit, but not an absolute answer
In the paddock, many see Barcelona as a revealer of a car’s true level. But Verstappen prefers to take it slow: « I don’t think Barcelona is suddenly the circuit where everything will be decided. Our car is not performing well at low speeds and on urban circuits. It’s a fact that will remain true after Barcelona. »
In other words, even if Red Bull finds a good pace this weekend, which seems to be the case with a 2nd fastest time in FP2, it won’t be enough to confirm a return to the top. The structural weaknesses, particularly on winding tracks like Monaco or Singapore, remain present.
Patience and Adjustments: The Verstappen Method
The Dutch champion has always said it: he doesn’t win titles on Fridays. And every time, the method remains the same. Understand the car. Work. Adapt.
« We try this every Friday. I hope it will work right away, but if not, we will try again. »
This lucidity and consistency are part of his strength. In Imola, he was seen struggling during practice, but ultimately managed to prevail in the race. In Barcelona, the temperature is high, the tires are suffering, and the new technical directive on front wings further complicates matters. And yet, Verstappen remains in the game.
The precarious balance of an open championship
McLaren is clearly the team in form at the moment, with Lando Norris in virtual pole position after FP2. Red Bull, on its side, can no longer rely on its superiority from previous seasons. Every weekend is a match to win, starting with the practice sessions.
This Spanish Grand Prix might not decide the championship, Max himself says, but it speaks volumes about Red Bull’s ability to adapt. And about Verstappen’s ability to stay calm on such a tightrope.
