Max Verstappen has been a formidable force for the past decade and is hunting a fifth consecutive Formula 1 title in 2025.
Red Bull have begun to show signs of struggles over the last year, and may no longer be favourites to win the drivers’ or the constructors’ championships in 2025.
Verstappen has a new teammate for the first time since 2021, with 11-race star Liam Lawson joining him following a promotion from Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
Formula 1’s pre-season testing showed that they remain somewhere within the front quartet, but there is clear room for improvement after some handling struggles.
Verstappen can only fight if Red Bull bring upgrades, according to fellow countryman Giedo van der Garde who insists that consistency will be key.
Red Bull were eager for a new rule to hamper McLaren and Ferrari to come into force, and restrict the flexibility of wings. They know that it’s important to take every advantage they can.
READ MORE: Gary Anderson is ‘not a fan’ of one ‘negative’ change Red Bull have made to their 2025 F1 car
Romain Grosjean believes Max Verstappen is ‘definitely’ one of the best F1 drivers ever
2025 marks the first season in 20 years that Adrian Newey will have no influence over a Red Bull Formula 1 car, and it could impact their performance.
Verstappen keeps ‘hammering’ Red Bull over two issues and is struggling to cope with kerbs in the new RB21. It’s not a very settled machine over the bumps.
If anyone can drive their way around that problem, it’s the Dutchman who is bidding to become the second driver in history after Michael Schumacher to win five consecutive titles.
Ex-Haas driver Romain Grosjean believes that Verstappen deserves to be regarded as one of the best of all time already.
“He’s definitely one of the best ever. There’s no doubt about Max’s ability to drive a car, drive it fast in every condition,” he said.
“I think saying he’s the best is difficult because you’re only the best if you are with the best car. But he’s definitely an incredible driver, no matter what car he is driving. I think his strength is that he always finds that pure 100% of the grip he has.”
READ MORE: Juan Pablo Montoya expects Max Verstappen departure rumours to ‘skyrocket’ if Red Bull fail to achieve one thing in 2025
Could Max Verstappen leave Red Bull and join a Formula 1 rival in the future?
If Red Bull struggle in 2025 and Verstappen’s worries grow ahead of the 2026 F1 regulations, a move away from the Milton Keynes-based outfit before the end of his contract in 2028 could be tempting.
Jaime Alguersuari is certain Verstappen will leave Red Bull, with the Aston Martin project potentially of interest to him after they signed the legendary Newey.
It isn’t exactly what his fans would want to see though. They’re a team that has made no progress over the last few years and are still yet to win a race.
‘Most fans’ want to see Verstappen at Ferrari and at the age of 27, he has plenty of time to decide on his next move and many seasons of racing ahead of him.
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