'I don't expect us'- Max Verstappen showing no hope at Red Bull car

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen is not very hopeful of his RB21 car this year ahead of the season opener in Australia. Max Verstappen is one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula 1 and has won four world titles from 2021 to 2024. Last year was tough for him as McLaren and Ferrari emerged as faster cars than Red Bull. They faced huge balance issues in their car that put them on the back foot, and they eventually lost their constructor's championship to McLaren.

This year, they wanted to win both the titles and are betting big on Max Verstappen and their Red Bull car. Verstappen is one of the most prominent and skilled F1 drivers in the entire grid. Red Bull plans to give him a competent machine and believes Max will do the rest. However, the Dutch driver is not hopeful about the RB21 car this year and says it will not be the fastest this season.

Verstappen not hopeful 

Max Verstappen said, “It can't be worse than last year. We keep on working, keep on trying to improve. Hopefully, heading to Melbourne, we'll learn a bit more, and then we'll see where we're at. I don't expect us to be the fastest at all. At the same time, it's also difficult to tell where everyone's pace is.” He also believes the car has improved and will see progress this season.

The 2024 season was a complete disaster for Red Bull, as they lost their lead in the championship to McLaren after 10 consecutive winless races. But Max Verstappen was the driver who carried them on his shoulders throughout the season and earned them a third-place finish. Even in 2025 Bahrain F1 pre-season testing, Red Bull machines are not the fastest.

Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, couldn’t perform as the imbalance issue cost him his natural driving ability. He then lost his driver seat to Youngster Liam Lawson at the end of the season. The 2025 season will be even more challenging for Red Bull and Max Verstappen as their rivals McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes are looking strong, and many expect a four-way battle for the title.

Also Read: F1 2025 Pre-Season Testing: Performers and Biggest Disappointments