The Formula 1 world has been eagerly awaiting the 2025 season, with Max Verstappen as four-time world champion and Red Bull Racing as one of the top teams. However, recent races have cast a shadow over expectations, especially after the disappointing performance of the RB21 in the Bahrain Grand Prix. Verstappen, known for his unparalleled driving skills and incisive analysis, expressed his frustration after the race: “Once again the brakes gave me problems.” This statement not only reflects his personal dissatisfaction, but also exposes the deeper issues that Red Bull is currently struggling with. The brakes, which he described as “poor”, played a crucial role in his inability to maintain the lead, resulting in a disappointing fourth place. The result has not only infuriated Verstappen, but also team boss Christian Horner, who sees the situation as unacceptable for a team of Red Bull’s calibre.
The RB21’s problems are not new. Verstappen already noticed irregularities in the car’s balance and grip during winter testing in Bahrain. Although Red Bull made a strong start to 2024, the RB20 began to fall behind rivals McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes halfway through the season. The hope was that the RB21 would address these shortcomings, but recent races have shown that the problems are more persistent than previously thought. In Bahrain, Verstappen experienced specific problems with the brakes, which he said did not provide a consistent feel. This lack of confidence in the braking zones led to locking wheels and overheating tyres, which severely affected his race pace. “It’s not just the feeling in the brakes,” Verstappen explained, “but also the tyres overheating. This makes it incredibly difficult to drive the car on the limit.”
The disappointment in Bahrain was compounded by operational errors by the team. Pit stops were chaotic and the strategy was far from optimal, which further disadvantaged Verstappen. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko called the situation “unacceptable” and pointed to the need for rapid improvements. The brake problems appear to stem partly from correlation issues between simulations and the reality on the track. Despite investing in a new brake caliper, developed in collaboration with Brembo, the RB21 continues to perform inconsistently. The upgrade, which includes extra cooling pins to better dissipate heat, should offer Verstappen more stability, but has so far not had the desired effect.
Christian Horner’s anger is understandable. Red Bull has dominated in recent years, largely thanks to Verstappen’s exceptional talent and a car that perfectly suited his aggressive driving style. Now that the RB21 is failing, pressure is mounting on the engineering team, led by Pierre Waché, to find solutions. Horner stressed that the lack of feedback from the brakes is not only limiting Verstappen’s performance, but also undermining the team’s confidence. “This is a crucial tool for a driver,” he said. “We need to fix this as quickly as possible.”
For Verstappen, the situation is particularly frustrating as he watches McLaren, with a superior car, calling the shots. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have benefited from the consistent performance of the MCL39, while Verstappen struggles to compete at the top. His fourth place in Bahrain, while respectable given the circumstances, felt like a defeat for a driver accustomed to podium finishes. Still, Verstappen remains combative. He spoke of a planned upgrade for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, which could be a turning point. “We are working hard, but it is complex,” he admitted. “It is not one problem, but a combination of factors.”
The question remains how long Red Bull can continue to address these issues without permanently damaging their championship ambitions. Verstappen currently sits third in the standings, just a few points behind Norris, but without improvements he risks falling further behind. The threat of a possible Verstappen departure, as speculated after Bahrain, hangs over the team like a dark cloud. For now, Red Bull is focusing on the upcoming races, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where cooler conditions could offer an advantage. But one thing is clear: the RB21 needs to improve quickly, otherwise Horner’s anger and Verstappen’s frustration will only grow.
