Red Bull’s RB21 Might Have Fixed 2024 Issues – But McLaren and Mercedes Loom as…..read more

The much-anticipated 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing kicked off at the Bahrain International Circuit, and early signs suggest that Red Bull may have addressed the balance issues that plagued them toward the end of last season. However, team advisor Helmut Marko has identified McLaren and Mercedes as their biggest threats after an impressive showing from both teams on the first day of testing.

Encouraging Signs for Red Bull’s RB21

Max Verstappen took over driving duties in the afternoon session after Liam Lawson ran in the morning, and his long-run pace left Marko feeling optimistic about the RB21’s potential. The reigning champions seemed to have overcome their struggles from late 2024, with Marko noting that the car’s balance and response to setup changes were far more predictable than before.

“The long runs were really competitive,” Marko told Dutch media in Bahrain. “It was the fastest. The car is more predictable and reacts to the changes in the normal way.”

If these early findings hold true, it could mean Red Bull has regained its dominant form, something that will be crucial as teams continue to push the limits under the current regulations.

McLaren and Mercedes Look Strong

While Red Bull may have found solutions to last year’s issues, they are not without serious competition. McLaren and Mercedes both showed strong pace on the opening day of testing, with Lando Norris leading the timesheets with a lap of 1:30.430, just 0.157 seconds ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell. Verstappen clocked the third-fastest lap of the day with a 1:30.674, two-tenths ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Though the lap times were not necessarily low-fuel, glory runs, they provided an early glimpse of where each team stands heading into the new season. More importantly, Marko appeared more interested in the long-run performance, where Red Bull seemed to hold the advantage.

Ferrari “A Little Bit Disappointing”

While McLaren and Mercedes impressed, Ferrari did not receive the same praise from Marko. He admitted that the Italian team’s first day of testing was somewhat underwhelming, though it remains to be seen how much they were holding back.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth on the timesheets, but the Scuderia may need to unlock more performance if they want to challenge for the championship this season.

Red Bull vs. The Challengers – A 2025 Title Fight Incoming?

It is still early days, and testing results should always be taken with caution, but Red Bull’s confidence in their RB21’s performance is an encouraging sign for the team. However, with McLaren and Mercedes showing strong pace and Ferrari potentially yet to reveal their full hand, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a highly competitive battle at the front.

If Red Bull has indeed fixed its balance issues, Verstappen could be in prime position to defend his title. But with teams like McLaren and Mercedes making clear improvements, the battle for supremacy in Formula 1 is far from settled.