Red Bull Prepares for 2025 with Major Changes and High Stakes

MILTON KEYNES, England — Red Bull Racing is gearing up for the 2025 Formula 1 season with Max Verstappen poised to defend his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship. However, the team faces significant changes, including the departure of key personnel and the promotion of Liam Lawson following Sergio Perez‘s exit from the team.

Verstappen, now entering his 10th season with Red Bull, has secured four World Championships, 63 Grand Prix wins, and is third on the all-time victory list. After a challenging but rewarding 2024, where Verstappen displayed resilience despite deep competition from McLaren and Ferrari, the pressure mounts for both drivers this year. “Consistency will be key,” said Team Principal Christian Horner. “It’s going to be fine margins everywhere.”

During the 2024 season, Verstappen excelled, winning seven of the first ten races but faced tougher competition as rival teams improved. Red Bull lost the Constructors’ Championship after leading earlier in the year, with Verstappen alone unable to compensate for Perez’s struggles. The Mexican driver, who failed to secure a podium finish after Round 5, was subsequently released by the team.

The offseason has brought significant shifts for Red Bull. Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey departed in May, and Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley transitioned to become Team Principal of the Audi F1 Team in August. These leadership changes come as Red Bull begins this new campaign still stinging from last year’s disappointing outcome.

Red Bull’s history in F1 spans back to 2005 when the team took over from Jaguar. The team has transformed into a powerhouse, winning six Constructors’ titles and eight Drivers’ Championships over the years, most recently through Verstappen. Statistically, their 2023 season stands out as they won 21 out of 22 races, setting records for consecutive victories. However, 2024 proved significantly more challenging.

The team will heavily rely on Lawson, who impressed in his previous super-sub roles, to support Verstappen’s efforts. Horner emphasized the importance of cooperation within the team: “Everyone in the team needs to pull together and communicate well.”

As they head into 2025, the team faces a massive undertaking: to address the mechanical issues experienced in 2024 and to restore their competitive edge against rivals who have closed the gap. “We’ve got to get the driveability of the car back to where it needs to be,” said Horner. “It’s imperative that we start strong to reclaim the Constructors’ title.”

With clear expectations set, Red Bull Racing is not only aiming for redemption but a return to form as they step into one of the most competitive periods in recent memory, with McLaren and Ferrari eager to repeat their successes against the former champions.