Red Bull has completed the inaugural run with its 2025 Formula 1 car in Bahrain, as Max Verstappen expressed that the team is confident it has chosen the “right direction”.
The Austrian squad unveiled the RB21 prior to its maiden track outing through studio shots, but with dimmed lighting in order to conceal more pronounced design elements.
However, it was visible that the Mercedes-inspired ‘cannons’ on the engine cover which Red Bull ran on a sporadic basis throughout 2024 have not been retained.
Red Bull began the previous campaign with a dominant package as Verstappen led three 1-2 results in the opening four races, but his path to the title was less seamless.
The then reigning champions experienced unanticipated trouble with updates which accentuated the RB20’s growing balance woes, culminating in a 10-race winless run.
Despite still managing to retain the crown, Verstappen has acknowledged that the development route Red Bull explored last season didn’t produce the expected results.
But the Dutchman, who is targeting a record-equalling fifth consecutive title, has indicated the team is optimistic that it has corrected those mishaps through the RB21.
“The development direction we chose at the time showed a lot of promise, but unfortunately it didn’t work like that on track so we had to change a few things,” he said.
“Now let’s hope that is the right direction. We are confident it is the right direction, but let’s see how much we can extract out of it for this final season with this car.”
Lawson understands Red Bull role in 2025
Liam Lawson was also in action alongside Verstappen, the New Zealander having replaced Sergio Perez, whose wretched return contributed to Red Bull’s title loss.
Lawson, who is the least experienced Red Bull driver ever with 11 F1 starts to his name, has reiterated that he is aware his role in the team will be to support Verstappen.
“The team’s goal is to win the Constructors’ [Championship] and obviously they weren’t able to do that last year, and that’s the clear goal going into this year,” he added.
“So obviously we’re doing the best job we can to make the car as fast as possible, and for me if we’re in a position that we’re fighting for winning the Constructors’ then I’m doing my job.
“That’s really where the team’s goal for me and their expectation for me is at, outside of obviously my goals for Formula 1.”
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