The 2025 Formula 1 season has been a spectacle of emotions, rivalries and twists and turns, but one narrative in particular is dominating the headlines: Red Bull appears perplexed by the performance of its star driver, Max Verstappen, and points the finger at McLaren as the main “culprit” for the Dutchman’s less than absolute dominance. But what is behind this story? Is McLaren really responsible for keeping the Austrian team awake at night, or is there something else at play?
Max Verstappen, three-time world champion and one of the most dominant drivers in recent Formula 1 history, has started the 2025 season with the same brilliance as ever. Red Bull, known for its technical ingenuity and sharp strategies, seemed ready to continue its hegemony. However, after the first few races, something changed. Verstappen, although still leading the championship, has not displayed the same overwhelming superiority of previous seasons. Narrow victories, some unexpected defeats and, above all, the meteoric rise of McLaren have raised eyebrows in the paddock.
McLaren, led by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, has been showing impressive pace. The orange car, which has been evolving since 2023, seems to have found the perfect balance in 2025. Refined aerodynamics, optimized power and a near-flawless race strategy have made the British team a real threat. At circuits such as Monaco and Silverstone, Norris and Piastri have not only challenged Verstappen, but on occasion have outperformed him with authority. This has led Red Bull to ask: how did McLaren manage to make such a leap?
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has not hidden his surprise. In a recent interview, he suggested that McLaren may be exploring “grey areas” in the technical regulations, particularly regarding aerodynamics and the use of telemetry data. “They are doing something that we don’t fully understand,” Horner said, with a tone that was a mix of admiration and suspicion. “Their car is too fast in certain areas, and that can’t just be a matter of natural evolution.” Such statements, of course, have sparked a heated debate in the world of Formula 1.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown, on the other hand, responded with a wry smile. “If Red Bull are surprised by our performance, maybe they should look in their own backyard. We’re just doing our job: building a fast car and trusting our drivers.” Brown also pointed out that McLaren has invested heavily in its infrastructure, including a new wind tunnel and a team of engineers who work tirelessly to squeeze every millisecond possible.
But what is really going on with Verstappen? Despite still being the favourite for the title, the Dutchman appears to be facing internal challenges. Sources close to Red Bull indicate that Verstappen has expressed frustration with minor reliability issues with the RB21, the 2025 car. In some races, such as the Australian GP, he struggled with the car’s balance in high-speed corners, something that McLaren seems to have mastered. In addition, the psychological pressure of competing against a team that leaves no room for error may be taking its toll.
Fans, for their part, are loving the spectacle. The rivalry between Verstappen and Norris, in particular, has produced some thrilling moments. At the Hungarian Grand Prix, a wheel-to-wheel battle between the two drivers on the final lap sent the crowd into raptures, with Norris coming out on top by just 0.3 seconds. This competitiveness has reignited the spirit of Formula 1, which many feared was becoming stale with Red Bull’s dominance in recent years.
Another factor that cannot be ignored is the evolution of the technical regulations. The 2025 rules, which introduced adjustments to aerodynamic efficiency and fuel consumption, appear to have favoured teams like McLaren, who have invested in innovative solutions. Red Bull, while still a dominant force, may be struggling to adapt as quickly as its rivals. This raises the question: is McLaren’s “blame” simply an excuse for Red Bull’s internal challenges?
As the championship progresses, one thing is certain: the 2025 season is far from certain. Verstappen remains the man to beat, but McLaren have proven they are not willing to be left in the shadows. With crucial races like the Spa and Monza GPs on the horizon, the eyes of the world will be on this rivalry. Can Red Bull crack McLaren’s secret? Or are Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri ready to rewrite Formula 1 history? One thing is for sure: the fans are winning in this epic battle.
