Can Red Bull Reclaim the Constructors’ Crown in 2025?

Red Bull Racing enters the 2025 Formula 1 season with a mix of continuity and change. On one hand, Max Verstappen remains at the helm, ready to defend his fourth consecutive World Championship. On the other, the team faces significant internal shifts, including the arrival of a new teammate, Liam Lawson, and the departure of key technical figures. With McLaren and Ferrari breathing down their necks, the battle for the Constructors’ title promises to be intense. Can Red Bull rise to the challenge and reclaim their dominant status?

Red Bull’s Driver Line-Up for 2025

Max Verstappen (#1) – The Reigning Champion

4x World Champion
63 Grand Prix Wins
112 Podiums
40 Pole Positions
3,023.5 Career Points
209 Race Starts

Verstappen enters his 10th season with Red Bull, having cemented his legacy as one of F1’s all-time greats. His 2024 title win was one of his toughest yet, showcasing his adaptability and resilience in a highly competitive season. While he didn’t dominate as he did in 2023, he still emerged as the top driver. This year, he faces an even tougher challenge with McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes closing the gap.

Liam Lawson (#30) – The Rising Star

6 Career Points
Best Finish: P9
11 Race Starts

With Sergio Perez struggling throughout 2024 and ultimately parting ways with the team, Liam Lawson has been promoted to a full-time seat. The New Zealand-born talent impressed as a stand-in driver at Racing Bulls, showing promise and composure under pressure. However, stepping into a championship-contending team comes with immense expectations. Red Bull’s return to the top will heavily depend on whether Lawson can deliver consistent points finishes.

Red Bull’s 2024 Season – A Year of Ups and Downs

Red Bull started 2024 as the reigning champions, coming off one of the most dominant seasons in F1 history. They kicked off strong, with Verstappen winning seven of the first 10 races. However, their season took a dramatic turn when they failed to win a single race for 10 consecutive rounds. The RB20 lost its competitive edge, and McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes rapidly closed in.

The season also brought significant internal changes. Adrian Newey, the legendary Chief Technical Officer, announced his departure in May, marking the end of an era. Jonathan Wheatley, the Sporting Director, also left to take the helm at the Audi F1 Team. These moves raised concerns about Red Bull’s long-term stability.

Despite these hurdles, Verstappen kept Red Bull in the fight. However, with Sergio Perez’s struggles, the team suffered in the Constructors’ Championship, slipping from first to third. While Verstappen sealed his fourth title in Las Vegas, the season left Red Bull with much to rethink heading into 2025.

The Evolution of Red Bull Racing

Red Bull’s journey from a mid-grid team to a powerhouse of Formula 1 has been nothing short of remarkable. They made their F1 debut in 2005, taking over Jaguar’s operations. Early seasons saw flashes of promise, but it wasn’t until 2009 that the team secured its first win, thanks to Sebastian Vettel.

The following years saw unprecedented success. Between 2010 and 2013, Red Bull secured four consecutive Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, with Vettel dominating the era. After a relative slump in the turbo-hybrid era dominated by Mercedes, Red Bull reclaimed the throne with Max Verstappen’s first title in 2021. Since then, they have been a force to be reckoned with, now holding:

6 Constructors’ Championships
8 Drivers’ Championships
122 Grand Prix Wins
282 Podiums
103 Pole Positions

Red Bull is now only seven wins behind Mercedes in all-time victories, and they remain one of the most successful teams in F1 history.

Red Bull’s Greatest Season – The 2023 Dominance

Among their many accomplishments, the 2023 season stands out as one of the most dominant in F1 history. Red Bull won 21 of 22 races, with Verstappen claiming 19 victories, breaking his own record for the most wins in a season. Additionally, Red Bull set a new record for most consecutive victories, winning 15 straight races from Abu Dhabi 2022 to Hungary 2023.

While 2024 proved to be a much tougher challenge, Red Bull remains a team that knows how to fight back and dominate.

What Red Bull Must Do to Win in 2025

Red Bull’s primary mission for 2025 is clear: reclaim the Constructors’ Championship. While Verstappen has shown he can handle any challenge, the team needs to ensure that both drivers contribute consistently. Here are the key areas they must focus on:

1. Improve Car Development & Reliability

One of the biggest issues in 2024 was the RB20’s inconsistency. While it started strong, rival teams closed the gap as the season progressed. With Adrian Newey’s departure, the team’s ability to maintain high-level car development will be tested. They need to ensure that RB21 is both fast and reliable throughout the season.

2. Liam Lawson Must Step Up

A major weakness in 2024 was Perez’s inability to score consistently. This cost Red Bull critical points in the Constructors’ fight. Lawson must prove he can deliver solid top-six finishes regularly and assist in strategic battles.

3. Adapt to Leadership Changes

With Newey and Wheatley gone, Red Bull must quickly adjust to new technical and strategic leadership. How well the team integrates new personnel will play a crucial role in their title bid.

4. Win the Development War

McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes all made huge strides in 2024. Red Bull can’t afford to be complacent. They must outdevelop their rivals across all 24 races to keep their competitive edge.

Can Red Bull Regain Their Throne?

With Max Verstappen at his peak and a strong history of bouncing back, Red Bull has every reason to believe they can reclaim the top spot in 2025. However, the road ahead won’t be easy. Ferrari and McLaren have their strongest packages in years, and Mercedes is still a threat.

As Team Principal Christian Horner put it:

“It’s going to be fine margins everywhere. Getting out the blocks fast is key, but with such a long season, consistency will be the deciding factor.”

With the season opener fast approaching, one thing is certain—Red Bull won’t go down without a fight.

Will they rise again, or is a new era on the horizon? The battle for 2025 is set to be legendary.