Red Bull Gains Early Edge with RB21 Shakedown in Bahrain

SAKHIR, Bahrain — Red Bull Racing has taken a strategic leap ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season by scheduling an early shakedown of its RB21 car during a filming day in Bahrain on February 25. The move allows the team to gather crucial data and fine-tune its new challenger before the official pre-season testing begins on February 26 at the Sakhir circuit.

World champion Max Verstappen and reserve driver Liam Lawson will share driving duties during the session, marking Lawson’s first official outing with the senior team. The filming day, permitted under F1 regulations, allows teams to run up to 200 kilometers on Pirelli demonstration tires, providing an opportunity to address early technical concerns and optimize performance ahead of the season opener.

Red Bull’s decision to forgo a traditional launch event in favor of a collective F1 showcase at London’s O2 Arena on February 18 underscores the team’s focus on maximizing track time. The event, celebrating F1’s 75th anniversary, will feature the unveiling of Red Bull’s 2025 livery alongside other teams.

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming season. “I think it’s going to be super tight. You’re going to have four teams that are going to be very competitive, so take your pick,” Horner said during a recent event. “McLaren are going to be strong. Ferrari are going to be strong. Mercedes are going to have something to prove as well. So, it could be a stellar year.”

Technical Director Pierre Wache highlighted the team’s focus on addressing balance issues that plagued the RB20 during the 2024 campaign. “Our main focus has been on solving the balance issues that affected us last season,” Wache explained. “That doesn’t mean we’ve ignored other aspects of the car, but balance has been our primary concern.”

Red Bull’s early track time in Bahrain could prove pivotal in maintaining its competitive edge. With rivals like Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren expected to challenge for supremacy, every lap counts in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. The team’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to defending its championship titles in 2025.

As the countdown to the new season continues, all eyes will be on Red Bull’s RB21 and its potential to dominate the grid once again. With Verstappen and Lawson at the helm, the team is leaving nothing to chance in its pursuit of continued success.