With the 2025 Formula 1 season approaching, all eyes are on Red Bull to see if they can continue their dominance or if their reign at the top is under threat. However, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen has expressed concerns over the team’s future, suggesting that if the RB21 car fails to meet expectations, it could spell trouble for the reigning champions.
After years of Red Bull controlling the field, particularly with Max Verstappen at the helm, internal tensions and shifting team dynamics have raised questions about their long-term stability. With Adrian Newey’s influence on the team possibly waning and a growing sense of uncertainty behind the scenes, Verstappen Sr. believes that 2025 could be a make-or-break year for the team.
Red Bull’s Dominance at Risk?
Red Bull has been the team to beat in Formula 1, especially since the new regulation changes in 2022 allowed them to establish a significant advantage over their rivals. However, Jos Verstappen has suggested that their advantage may not last forever.
“If the RB21 isn’t as dominant as previous cars, it could lead to some difficult decisions within the team,” Verstappen said.
His concerns stem not only from Red Bull’s potential technical challenges but also from internal issues that have surfaced in recent months.
Internal Politics Adding to the Pressure
While Red Bull has been successful on track, there have been reports of tensions behind the scenes, particularly involving key figures such as Christian Horner, Helmut Marko, and even Max Verstappen himself. Any instability within the team could make it harder to maintain their competitive edge.
Jos Verstappen hinted that if Red Bull’s dominance fades, the political tensions within the team could become more pronounced, potentially affecting performance.
“Right now, things are going well because they are winning. But in Formula 1, as soon as a team stops winning, the pressure starts to build, and cracks begin to show,” he explained.
Max Verstappen’s long-term future with the team could also become a discussion point if the RB21 isn’t competitive. While he is under contract until 2028, frustration over a less competitive car could change things.
The Impact of Newey’s Influence
One of Red Bull’s biggest assets over the years has been Adrian Newey, the legendary designer behind many of the team’s championship-winning cars. However, there have been growing questions over how involved he will be in Red Bull’s future car designs.
If Newey takes a step back or reduces his role, Red Bull could struggle to maintain their technical superiority over rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari. Jos Verstappen believes that this could be a turning point for the team.
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“Newey has been a key part of their success. If his involvement decreases, it will be interesting to see how they cope,” Verstappen said.
Could Red Bull Face a Downfall Like Mercedes?
Mercedes’ dominance came to an end when the 2022 regulation changes came into effect, and Jos Verstappen has suggested that Red Bull could face a similar situation if they don’t stay ahead of the curve.
With F1 teams already preparing for the 2026 engine regulations, Red Bull will need to ensure they continue developing at a high level while also planning for the future. If they fall behind in development, it could lead to a period of decline similar to what Mercedes has experienced in recent years.
“We’ve seen it before. When a dominant team starts losing ground, it’s difficult to recover,” Verstappen pointed out.
Max Verstappen’s Future Could Be a Key Factor
While Max Verstappen remains committed to Red Bull for now, there have been whispers that if the team’s performance drops, he could explore other options. Mercedes, which is still searching for a long-term replacement for Lewis Hamilton, has been linked with a potential move for Verstappen in the future.
Jos Verstappen didn’t directly comment on his son’s future but made it clear that Max wants to keep winning.
“Max loves racing, and he wants to be in a car that can fight for wins. If Red Bull can keep delivering, there’s no issue. But if things change, then who knows?”
As Red Bull heads into 2025, the pressure is on to maintain their dominant position in F1. If the RB21 is as strong as its predecessors, the team could continue their winning streak. However, if they show signs of weakness, it could lead to major shifts within the team and the wider F1 landscape.
With questions surrounding team politics, the future of key personnel, and Max Verstappen’s long-term commitment, Red Bull has a lot riding on the success of their 2025 car. Whether they stay at the top or begin to struggle remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this season will be a crucial one for the reigning champions.
