Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that the team is set to hold a meeting next week after its disappointing start to the 2025 season.
Although four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen is currently in second position in the drivers’ standings, the team has been suffering from issues with the RB21. Verstappen’s new team-mate Liam Lawson has especially struggled with getting to grips with the new car.
After retiring from the rain-soaked Australian Grand Prix, the New Zealander hoped to turn things around as he arrived in China. However, his difficulties continued. He qualified in P20 for both the sprint race and Grand Prix and is yet to earn any points.
Despite only having two Grand Prix weekends of the 2025 season under his belt so far, rumours have already started to circulate that the Kiwi could be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda as early as the Japanese Grand Prix.
While speaking to Sky DE, Marko explained that the team will be holding a meeting but insists that they are not “throwing in the towel.” He commented:
“This week there is a meeting in Milton Keynes to discuss when and how we can close the gap.
“Until then, it’s about scoring as many points as possible. We are worried, but it is not like we are throwing in the towel.”
Liam Lawson, Red Bull Racing, Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Team principal Christian Horner also addressed the struggles at the Shanghai International Circuit, stating:
“It’s race 2. You can’t be that defeatist. I mean we’re 8 points behind in the drivers’ championship after two races, and there’s everything to play for, and if nothing else, last year teaches you: you can start as strong as you like, it’s how you finish.
“We’ve got great strength and depth in our team. Everybody in the company knows we’ve got a bit of pace to find and you know, we’ve got the tools, we’ve got the people in order to do that. It’s just unpicking it.”
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