Max Verstappen Takes On Red Bull’s ‘Super Narrow’ Challenge

Max Verstappen has opened up about the persistent issue facing Red Bull’s RB21, describing its operating window as “super narrow.” He highlighted how the car regularly struggles at the start of Formula 1 race weekends, particularly on Fridays, before finding better pace during qualifying.

This pattern has become familiar throughout the 2025 season. Verstappen pointed to Imola as a clear example, where he recovered from a difficult opening session to qualify second, then went on to take victory after a strong move at the first corner against Oscar Piastri.

Among the top four teams in Formula 1—Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes—Red Bull has faced the greatest challenges getting up to speed early in the weekend. Verstappen noted that the team analyses ways to improve its Friday performance at every race but finds it difficult due to the car’s tight setup window.

“We try that every single Friday. But for whatever reason, it’s not that easy with our car because it’s super easy to be out of the window,” Verstappen said. He added that when the setup is perfect, the car works well, but achieving this balance remains a struggle.

The start of the Spanish Grand Prix weekend brought positive signs for Verstappen, as he finished second in opening practice. However, he was three-tenths of a second behind McLaren’s Lando Norris, signaling tough competition.

This race comes after the introduction of a new front wing technical directive, which could play a role in the evolving championship battle between Red Bull and their rivals, especially McLaren.

Asked if the Spanish Grand Prix would define the title fight, Verstappen shared his doubts. He explained that Red Bull’s weaknesses at low speed and on street circuits would not disappear after Barcelona, stating, “I don’t think Barcelona is suddenly the one that you say, like, ‘Oh, this is now where you lose it or win it.’ I don’t think you can say that.”

The team is therefore focusing on steady improvement and consistency over the entire season rather than expecting a complete turnaround at a single circuit.

The 2025 season’s driver standings reflect intense competition. Oscar Piastri leads with 161 points, closely followed by Lando Norris on 158. Verstappen sits third with 136 points.

In the constructors’ standings, McLaren leads with 319 points, while Red Bull is in third on 143, just behind Mercedes at 147 and ahead of Ferrari with 142. These tight margins underscore the importance of maximizing performance every race weekend.

Red Bull continues to seek solutions to its Friday struggles, as small differences in performance can have significant consequences for the title race. With the new front wing rules and increasing pressure from rivals, the team knows that adaptation is key.

Verstappen and the Red Bull crew will be hoping that their efforts translate into improved consistency as the season moves deeper into the European rounds.

As the calendar moves forward, the focus remains on unlocking the potential of the RB21 and keeping up with the gains made by McLaren and other top teams. Every race is a chance for Red Bull to regain ground in the championship, with plenty of points still available before the title is decided.