Max Verstappen has once again written his name in the history books by securing a fourth consecutive F1 World Championship in 2024. However, the season has been far from smooth for the Dutchman. Despite his dominant run, the RB20 presented a number of challenges that made the year more difficult than expected.

As the 2025 season approaches, Verstappen has made it clear that he has no intention of enduring another season plagued by similar struggles. In response, Red Bull has taken significant steps to refine its car, aiming to eliminate the shortcomings that made the RB20 difficult to handle. Technical director Pierre Waché has hinted that the team’s efforts have paid off, with the new RB21 expected to offer a vastly improved driving experience.

Alleged WhatsApp chat reveals new turmoil at Alpine

 

 

Verstappen’s difficult 2024 season

While Verstappen once again proved his superiority on track, the 2024 campaign was not as effortless as his previous title-winning seasons. The RB20 was notoriously unpredictable, often pushing Verstappen and his team to the limit as they searched for the perfect set-up.

Despite its outright speed, the car’s handling characteristics made it tricky to extract consistent performance across different circuits.

Verstappen, who thrives on precision and control, found the RB20 less compliant than its predecessors. This made it difficult to maximise performance each race weekend, forcing the Dutchman to work harder than ever to maintain his dominance. Although he ultimately prevailed, his frustration was evident and he made it clear that he did not want to endure another year of similar struggles.

Honda appear flustered over new PU progress

 

 

 

Is Hamilton Italian enough?

 

 

Red Bull’s response: The RB21 overhaul

Understanding Verstappen’s concerns, Red Bull has invested heavily in making the RB21 a more predictable and adaptable car. Pierre Waché, the team’s technical director, revealed the extent of the changes made to the new car.

“On the surface, the RB21 looks a lot like the RB20, but a lot of things have changed on the car in terms of cooling, suspension, aero package – everything has changed to achieve the characteristics that we like,” Waché explained in comments reported by NextGen-Auto.

He admitted that the RB20 was difficult to get the most out of, which had a direct impact on Verstappen’s ability to dominate effortlessly. To remedy this, Red Bull have made significant changes to the way the RB21 interacts with the track.

Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” reveals new dramatic moment

 

 

 

A new direction: More stability and adjustability

One of the main issues with the RB20 was its sharpness and sensitivity, which limited the range of optimal set-ups. Waché confirmed that the 2025 car has been designed to offer a broader range of adjustability, allowing the team and its drivers to fine-tune its characteristics more effectively.

“It’s a multi-dimensional system that’s not just about downforce, but also about suspension and kinematics, the overall characteristics of the car and the driver feel,” Waché elaborated.

The changes aim to provide a more stable and forgiving car, giving Verstappen and his teammate more flexibility in finding the perfect balance for each track. Waché emphasised that this is a significant change from the RB20, which often forced the team into a corner when it came to set-up options.

“Last year we had a pretty difficult car and to rebalance it, you found yourself in a dead end in terms of possibilities. Now it gives us a wider range of settings to explore,” he added.

While these changes sound promising on paper, the real test will come on the track. The Australian Grand Prix on 16 March will be the first opportunity to assess whether Red Bull have really solved the problems that plagued the RB20.

Honda appear flustered over new PU progress

 

 

Red Bull employee case against Horner now revived

 

 

 

Will Verstappen be happy?

Red Bull’s dominance in recent years has been built on a foundation of superior engineering and innovation. However, 2024 showed that even the best teams can face challenges. Verstappen’s ability to adapt helped him overcome the shortcomings of the RB20, but he has made it clear that he does not want another season of battling with an unpredictable car.

The RB21 represents Red Bull’s efforts to ensure Verstappen can continue his reign with fewer complications. Waché’s comments suggest that the team has addressed the car’s weaknesses, but whether this translates into consistent race-winning performances remains to be seen.

All eyes will be on Verstappen’s reaction after the first few races of the season. If the RB21 lives up to expectations, Red Bull could be in for another dominant year. If not, the reigning world champion could find himself in an even tougher battle to retain his crown.

READ MORE – Is Hamilton Italian enough?

 

 

 

MORE F1 NEWS – Cadillac F1 confirmation hits the rocks again

The trials and tribulations which the Andretti/Cadillac Formula One team has endured on its way to approval to race in the sport is not yet over. Andretti were knocking at the door back in February 2022 as motor racing legend Mario Andretti revealed.

“Michael [his son] has applied to the FIA to field a new F1 team starting in 2024,” he announced in a social media post on Friday 11th. “His entry, Andretti Global, has the resources and checks every box. He is awaiting the FIA’s determination.”

The irony of the timing was that the teas had signed just twelve months earlier a new Concorde Agreement which binds the FIA, FOM and the teams and race promoters into a legal framework. Within that document, which usually runs for at least five years, was the clause allowing an eleventh and even a prospective F1 twelfth team to join F1 for an anti-dilution fee of $200m… READ MORE ON THIS STORY