Red Bull crisis: No more upgrades for Verstappen in 2025
Just minutes ago, Red Bull Racing surprisingly announced that Max Verstappen’s RB21 would not receive any further major upgrades for the remainder of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The revelation, made by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, caused a stir in the paddock, leaving Verstappen’s title hopes hanging in the balance and plunging the team into a deep crisis. With McLaren dominating the championship and Verstappen 49 points behind leader Oscar Piastri after nine races, the decision could spell the end for Red Bull’s title ambitions.
The decision to halt major upgrades stems from Red Bull’s struggles with the RB21’s inconsistent performance and narrow operating window, as Marko admitted to RacingNews365 . While minor adjustments are planned, the team will reportedly focus on its 2026 project, a decision that has sparked outrage from fans and analysts. Verstappen, who has struggled against the superior McLaren MCL39 with a subpar car, must now fight for a fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title. The posts on X reflect growing frustration, with fans calling the team’s strategy a capitulation to McLaren’s dominance.
Verstappen’s recent performance at the Spanish Grand Prix perfectly illustrates Red Bull’s woes. A controversial collision with George Russell resulted in a 10-second time penalty, three penalty points, and a demotion to 10th place, costing him valuable points. The team’s decision to fit hard tires during a late safety car intervention, combined with the premature order to give up a place to Russell, further hampered Verstappen’s race. These missteps, combined with the lack of improvements, have left Red Bull languishing in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, 218 points behind McLaren.
The timing of this announcement is catastrophic. Verstappen is one penalty point away from a race ban, prompting the FIA to consider a super license exemption for young Red Bull driver Arvid Lindblad, a potential replacement. Speculation about Verstappen’s future is rife, with some, including his former mechanic Calum Nicholas, predicting early retirement after 2025 if he wins the title. Others suggest a move to Mercedes, where Toto Wolff has expressed interest, especially as George Russell’s contract remains uncertain beyond 2025.
Red Bull’s decision has drawn fierce criticism. Team principal Christian Horner has called for clearer guidance from the FIA on stewards’ decisions, while Verstappen himself has expressed frustration with F1’s racing regulations. The team’s failure to deliver a competitive car has fueled rumors of internal unrest, with fans pointing to the departure of key figures like Adrian Newey as a sign of deeper problems.
As the 2025 season progresses, Red Bull finds itself at a crossroads. Without improvements, Verstappen’s championship hopes rest solely on his driving skills. It remains to be seen whether he can overcome these challenges or whether this will mark the end of Red Bull’s dominance. For now, the Milton Keynes team is in crisis, and the F1 world is watching closely.
