There’s the possibility of an eight-car fight for both Formula 1 championships in 2025 as the field spread tightens in the final year of the technical regulations.
It’s a pattern which repeats itself with the gap between the top and bottom teams closing due to the law of diminishing returns (only so much car development can be done).
Max Verstappen clinched a fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship but he’s not considered to be the favourite to make it five this year.
Lando Norris is preferred instead after enjoying a breakout season with McLaren in 2024, ending the year with the fastest car on the grid.
Verstappen believes he handles pressure better than Norris and is something which will be put to the test this coming season.
While they may not have the fastest car anymore, one glaring Red Bull statistic gives them hope in 2025 after they secured 12.5% more victories than any other constructors last season.
James Hinchcliffe backs ‘impressive’ Max Verstappen to win 2025 F1 title
It’s rare that a champion who just claimed a fourth consecutive triumph by nearly 100 points isn’t the favourite for the following season, but here we are.
Red Bull are aware that they have a lot of work to do over the winter if they want to compete across the entire 24-race campaign.
The main roadblock to that may be any plans they have for 2026, with preparations for the new technical regulations far more important for long-term success.
READ MORE: £2.5m-a-year driver turned down ‘first-option’ deal from Red Bull for the 2026 season
Regardless of the machinery at hand, James Hinchcliffe has backed the reigning champion to come out on top again in 2025.
“I don’t know how you bet against Max,” he said. “He still just operates at a level that’s so much higher than everybody else’s.
“Lando I think is ready as long as the car is competitive every weekend. What’s so impressive about Max is even when the car is not the best, he’s pulling home a third, a fourth, when other guys are seventh, eighth.”
Could Max Verstappen leave Red Bull before the 2026 F1 season?
If Red Bull’s performance continues to trend in a negative direction, then Verstappen will begin to have some doubts about their viability for the future.
They’ll be making their own engine from 2026 and that’s going to come with inevitable teething problems which could halt their championship charge.
READ MORE: George Russell’s Mercedes contract may explain why he’s drawn Toto Wolff into Max Verstappen feud
It has been reported that Mercedes’ new power unit is in a very strong position and with George Russell’s contract set to run out after 2025, could Verstappen find a way to join Toto Wolff’s team?
There were discussions this season about a move after drama surrounding Christian Horner, but nothing materialised.
A relationship between the Verstappen family and Wolff was repaired though and sets up the possibility for further talks in the future.
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