Major disqualifications and penalties take Red Bull out of the races after the Bahrain GP: Is the team in crisis?
The 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix weekend has proven turbulent for Red Bull racing, marked by significant disqualifications, penalties, and performance concerns. These developments have prompted widespread speculation that the reigning champions are facing an early-season crisis. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key incidents and their potential impact on Red Bull’s 2025 Formula 1 campaign.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Pit Lane Penalty: A Rocky Start for Red Bull
One of the most talked-about moments came during Free Practice 1 (FP1) when Red Bull’s newest driver, Yuki Tsunoda, was penalized for overtaking Alex Albon in the lane. This move violated FIA regulations, which strictly prohibit overtaking in the pit lane except in exceptional circumstances. Tsunoda’s error was compounded by confusion, as he mistakenly drove past his new Red Bull garage and headed towards his old pit bull box.
The FIA issued Tsunoda with a sporting penalty, emphasizing that he should have pulled away from Albon instead of overtaking. This incident was not an isolated one; Tsunoda had committed similar infractions at the previous Japanese Grand Prix, raising concerns about his adaptation to Red Bull’s high-pressure environment.
Max Verstappen’s struggles highlight the team’s challenges
Max Verstappen, the defending world champion, also faced a challenging weekend in Bahrain. Despite high expectations, Verstappen finished sixth in the race, a result well below his usual standards. He openly expressed dissatisfaction with the car’s pace and handling, pointing to possible technical or setup issues within the team.
Verstappen’s performance issues have intensified speculation about Red Bull’s competitiveness this season, especially as rivals such as McLaren and Mercedes showed strong form in Bahrain.
Liam Lawson’s sanctions reflect broader problems
Although Liam Lawson races for Racing Bulls, a Red Bull affiliate, his multiple time penalties during the Bahrain GP added to the narrative of Red Bull’s wider struggles. Lawson received 5-second and 10-second penalties for on-track incidents, finishing in 16th place. His struggles underscore the challenges facing drivers within the Red Bull ecosystem this season.
Nico Hulkenberg’s disqualification adds to the post-race chaos
Adding to the drama, Nico Hulkenberg was disqualified from the Bahrain GP for excessive skid plate wear. While Hulkenberg is not a Red Bull Racing driver, his disqualification contributed to the reshuffling of the race results and highlighted the strict regulatory environment that teams must navigate.
What does this mean for Red Bull Racing’s 2025 season?
The combination of driver penalties, disqualifications, and disappointing race performances has raised questions about the current state of Red Bull Racing. The Bahrain GP exposed potential operational and strategic weaknesses, from driver errors to car performance issues.
As the 2025 Formula 1 season progresses, Red Bull will need to address these challenges quickly to maintain its championship ambitions. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the team can recover from this difficult start or if Bahrain marks the beginning of a more difficult campaign.
