Red Bull Rejects Fix for RB21 Issue: Verstappen Would Be Unhappy

Red Bull Racing is working hard to catch up to McLaren after a slow start to the 2025 Formula 1 season. Technical director Pierre Waché recently shared with RacingNews365 that the team is considering solutions for the RB21’s performance struggles.

Waché explained the team has looked at its sister squad, the Racing Bulls, for potential lessons. However, he warned they don’t want to limit their top driver, Max Verstappen, to make the car easier to handle.

Over the last few seasons, Red Bull cars have had a narrow window where they work at their best. Verstappen has adapted to these demands, but his teammates have not found the same level of comfort.

Sergio Perez, who left Red Bull at the end of 2024 after a tough run, was replaced for two races by Liam Lawson. Lawson returned to Racing Bulls after his short stint, leaving Yuki Tsunoda alongside Verstappen for 2025.

This year, Tsunoda has picked up seven points, in contrast to Verstappen’s 101. Waché said it is very important for Red Bull to have two strong drivers, both for team results and for getting better feedback on how the car behaves.

Waché explained that while the Racing Bulls car has a wider operating window and is easier for drivers to handle, it is not as fast as the Red Bull in Verstappen’s hands. He said Red Bull is not interested in lowering the RB21’s capability to make it easier to drive.

Waché believes that giving Verstappen a car more like the Racing Bulls’ machine would not suit him. Verstappen’s driving is a big part of Red Bull’s performance at the front of the field.

Red Bull is now under pressure as McLaren has taken a large lead in the 2025 championship. After the opening rounds, McLaren sits on 362 points, followed by Ferrari on 165, Mercedes with 159, and Red Bull, with Verstappen and Tsunoda, currently on 144.

Individually, Verstappen holds third in the standings, trailing behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. At the same time, Tsunoda has struggled to close the gap to his teammate or the rival teams.

Waché said Red Bull is open to studying the Racing Bulls’ data, especially to understand tire wear and race pace. He believes some aspects can improve Red Bull’s race-day performance without hurting the car’s raw speed.

This approach keeps Verstappen’s demands in mind while also helping Tsunoda become more competitive.

As the F1 season continues, attention remains on possible changes in the Red Bull driver lineup. Some are questioning whether Tsunoda will keep his seat or if another switch could come.

The next race will be held at the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 15. This will be followed by stops at the Red Bull Ring, Silverstone, Spa, and Hungary through July and early August.

Red Bull hopes that small adjustments, along with constant analysis of their sister team and their competitors, will help them challenge McLaren’s early season dominance. The team’s progress across the coming races will be closely watched as the championship battle continues to take shape. For example, technical updates like the flexi wing introduced at the Spanish GP could influence car performances significantly.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.