Red Bull: New RB21 F1 car needs wider operating window

Red Bull thinks that improving its car balance, rather than simply delivering more downforce on its RB21, is key to its Formula 1 title ambitions in 2025.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit faced some struggles throughout this season after an early advantage was wiped away by its main rivals from the Miami Grand Prix.

And although Max Verstappen ended the year as drivers’ champion, thanks in part to a good points buffer he built up at the start of the season, the squad finished third in the constructors’ championship behind McLaren and Ferrari.

Eager to not lose out again in 2025, the team has faith, after getting to the bottom of what happened with its car this year, that it can address the critical elements needed for a fightback.

In his regular column in Speedweek, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko wrote that the mindset was no longer about simply chasing more downforce.

“We know what to do," he said. "This car needs a wider working window, so that it doesn't immediately become unbalanced when there are slight temperature fluctuations or minor technical changes.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

“That's exactly what our engineers are working on. Forty points of downforce is good, but four tenths on the stopwatch is what interests me and the drivers. The handling must be predictable for the driver so that he can build up the necessary confidence.”

On the back of the field getting more competitive this year, Red Bull is under no illusions that the fight in 2025 will perhaps be even harder with the rules remaining unchanged.

“I am sure that we will be facing a close battle at the top next year and that is normal in the last year of a regulation period,” he said. “The field will be closer together.

“It is common practice in Formula 1 to copy successful concepts. And the longer the specifications remain stable, the more similar the cars will become. This automatically increases the level of performance.

“We will give it our all again next year. There will be some changes in the team, as there have been some departures. But we are well positioned and I believe that our team is capable of giving Max a car that will enable him to fight for the world championship again.”

Christian Horner, Team Principal, Red Bull Racing, talks with Helmut Marko, Consultant, Red Bull Racing, Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

Red Bull is set to announce its 2025 driver line-up before Christmas, amid speculation that it could part ways with Sergio Perez after a disappointing season for the Mexican.

Marko said that it was obvious the team would be designing its RB21 around Verstappen’s driving style – so whoever slotted in alongside him would need to adapt to that.

“Since we have the fastest and best driver in the field in Max, it is only natural that we take his preferences into account when it comes to developing the car's handling characteristics,” he said.

“I am sure that as long as we give him a competitive car, he will stay at Red Bull Racing.

“We will be announcing news in the next few days about what the driver pairing will look like next year. There is a lot of speculation, and transfer fees are being mentioned that are complete nonsense.”