Red Bull come into the 2025 Formula 1 season looking to defend the drivers’ championship and regain the constructors’ title.
Max Verstappen became a four-time world champion in 2024, beating Lando Norris by 63 points. The Dutchman grabbed nine wins across the season – but it was not as smooth sailing as the previous year where he won 19 out of 22 Grand Prix.
Red Bull suffered a dip in performance midway through 2024 and had at one point the fourth-fastest car according to Christian Horner. McLaren boasted the strongest package, but Norris could not outscore Verstappen in the second half of the season.
The Dutchman had built a huge advantage by winning seven of the first 10 races. With the scores reset to zero and Red Bull no longer having a dominant car, there are questions as to whether Verstappen can grab another title in 2025.
After pre-season testing, McLaren are the clear favourites for the title as they seemed to have a sizeable advantage over their rivals. Verstappen says McLaren are the only title contenders after a somewhat disappointing test – Red Bull completed the least number of laps in Bahrain.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old cannot be discounted from the title picture – he proved that by sticking his RB21 P3 for the Australian Grand Prix behind the McLarens. With this result, Helmut Marko has won a bet with Verstappen’s father Jos Verstappen – but the circumstances of it are very worrying.
Helmut Marko bet Red Bull would not be five tenths behind McLaren – it shows Jos Verstappen is very worried
Max Verstappen will be on the second row of the grid in Melbourne. The four-time champion was initially on pole position but was topped by home hero Oscar Piastri and then Norris.
The Dutchman fared significantly better than teammate Liam Lawson who was eliminated in Q1 in 18th. The Kiwi driver – who has never driven the Albert Park circuit before – struggled with the back end as he ran wide twice during the session.
Verstappen is in a strong position to challenge for victory on Sunday, but the pace compared to the McLarens is huge. Norris’ pole lap was almost four-tenths quicker than the Dutchman.
However, this result won a bet for Marko with his father. Speaking with De Telegraaf, the Austrian revealed he won 500 euros from Jos Verstappen as the former F1 driver felt Red Bull would be five tenths down on McLaren – and Marko has now bet on his star driver to win the race tomorrow.
READ MORE: Who is Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko? Everything to know
“Compared to the test days in Bahrain, we have taken a big step, because then I think the difference was at least half a second.,” he said,
“I have also already won 500 euros from Jos Verstappen, as he thought we would indeed concede five tenths on McLaren. And for tomorrow, I have already placed a bet at a betting shop on Max winning.’
While Marko has grabbed a financial win, this is quite alarming as it shows Jos Verstappen is very worried about his son’s car. Being four tenths of a second behind McLaren should not be considered a victory when they only performed a tenth better than what the Dutchman predicted.
It only highlights how far behind Red Bull have fallen to their rivals – and it could spell bad news for the team if this continues.
Could Jos Verstappen’s concerns about Red Bull lead to Max Verstappen leaving the team?
Jos Verstappen’s worries about Red Bull will add fuel to the fire that his son could be on the move. The 27-year-old has been linked with an exit from the Milton Keynes squad since last season.
Verstappen could leave before 2026 if Red Bull cannot live up to his expectations. The team will supply their own engines for the new era of regulations, but partners Ford are already playing down expectations – adding more uncertainty.
Aston Martin are said to be keen admirers of the Dutchman and would be a logical option given Adrian Newey is spearheading their operations and Honda will supply their engines from 2026.
Verstappen played down the Aston Martin links, however at the F1 75 event. The discussion of the reigning champion’s future is certain to continue throughout 2025 – and a decision could be made if Red Bull cannot deliver a competitive car.
