Ex-F1 driver gives ‘very difficult’ prediction for Max Verstappen in 2025
After a tough season with Red Bull, Juan Pablo Montoya claimed that Max Verstappen would endure a very difficult 2025 F1 season.
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Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen became the 2024 drivers’ world champion with two rounds to spare. However, he did not always have the fastest car underneath him as he struggled to stay on par with his McLaren and Ferrari rivals. Observing such trends, ex-F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya predicted that the Dutchman would have a very difficult 2025 season with Red Bull.
The Milton-Keynes based Red Bull was the class of the field in 2023 and is expected to continue their dominance into 2024. Despite early trends showcasing another year of their might, McLaren soon thrashed the Austrian giant. This laid all the burden on Max Verstappen to save his reign over the championship.
Though he was able to conquer the title with flying colors, Red Bull still struggled in various spheres in comparison to others. Subsequently, Juan Pablo Montoya asserted that Verstappen would not be the title favorite next year amidst the Austrian outfit’s massive slump.
For Verstappen it will be very difficult next season. If Red Bull can’t suddenly make a big step, it will be really difficult for him to become champion with the car he has at the moment. They just don’t have the speed they need. So I don’t see him as a favourite. If you look at the last Formula 1 races of the last year, it is impossible to see him as a favourite anymore.
Juan Pablo Montoya said (via Marca)
Moreover, Red Bull also reckons the same. The team fears that there is not much development potential left in their current concept. This would sound alarm bells around the base in Milton Keynes, transcending the sense of urgency.
Max Verstappen made a special request to Red Bull
On the other hand, Red Bull is known for their unique brand identity in F1. The team is often synonymous with dark blue cars with bright yellow and red accents. However, Verstappen has grown tired of the current livery design and has made a special request to the team.
The 27-year-old asked the team to spice things up by switching up the livery. However, the outfit is expected to stay close to the iconic colors associated with the brand.
We’ve had so many matte-blue cars, but I think sometimes it’s just nice to spice it up a little bit.
Max Verstappen said (via The Talking Bulls podcast)
Red Bull is slated to launch the RB21 in an individual event, following in line with Ferrari. The team would take part in the all-team launch in the O2 arena at the F1 75 event, but team principal Christian Horner had earlier hinted at hosting an individual launch event.
Thus, the prospect of teams organizing their own event is becoming increasingly more likely. This could possibly make the grand event in London appear as a bit of a marketing event for the pinnacle of motor racing.
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Geetansh Pasricha
(740 Articles Published)