Legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey has made a worrying claim regarding Red Bull Racing ahead of the 2025 season, which could impact Max Verstappen's future.
During the 2024 campaign, Verstappen had to dig deep into his resources as Red Bull suffered a surprising dip in form.
The Dutchman had a healthy lead but was being chased down by the likes of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.
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Despite their best efforts, the pair were no match for Verstappen who managed to seal his fourth successive world title.
Although Verstappen defended his crown, Red Bull lost theirs as they finished in third place behind Ferrari and champions McLaren in the constructors' standings.
Ahead of the 2025 season, Verstappen will be expected to win the title due to his unmatched ability on the track.
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However, the question remains whether Red Bull can deliver a car capable of challenging at the front of the grid.
Speaking recently to German news outlet Auto Motor und Sport, former Red Bull chief technical officer Newey explained why he thinks the team suffered a dip in form.
Adrian Newey on Red Bull's dip in form and the impact on Max Verstappen
As reported by Planet F1, the 66-year-old, who left the team last year to join Aston Martin, said: "Obviously, part of it was McLaren in particular, and Ferrari developing their cars, and doing a very good job of developing their cars.
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"I think, Red Bull, from what I could see… the 2024 car, and through the very last stages of ’23 as well, I would say, started to become more difficult to drive.
"Of course, that suited Max, and he could handle that, if you like – it didn’t suit him, but he could handle it. Checo [Perez] couldn’t."
He continued: "So you also started to see more of a difference in performance between the teammates, Max and Checo That carried into the first part of ’24 but the car was still quick enough to be able to cope with it.
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"It’s something I was starting to become concerned about, but not many other people in the organisation seemed to be very concerned about.
"From what I can see from the outside, but I don’t know, the guys at Red Bull – this is no criticism, but I think they just perhaps, through lack of experience, kept going in that same direction, and the problem came more and more acute to the point that even Max found it difficult to drive."
Could Red Bull struggles lead to Max Verstappen departure?
If Red Bull's problems continue in the new season, there will no doubt be rumours swirling around the paddock concerning Verstappen's future.
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Despite having a contract that runs until 2028, Verstappen has been tipped to leave Red Bull, with the likes of Aston Martin, Mercedes and even Williams all linked.
All eyes will be on Red Bull and Verstappen when the 2025 season kicks off in March with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Formula 1, Red Bull Racing
Marcus Chan