Max Verstappen feels encouraged after driving at the F1 pre-season tests in 2025. The first day of testing began in Bahrain with ten drivers driving in the morning session while the rest drove in the afternoon.
Verstappen himself drove in the afternoon alongside Lando Norris, George Russell, Charles Leclerc. With Antonelli topping the first session, and Lando Norris subsequently doing so in the afternoon, the times look impressive.
Verstappen had some positive words about Red Bull’s 2025 challenger after the testing session.
Max Verstappen is satisfied with Red Bull’s 2025 challenger
The defending World Champion was asked for his opinions on Red Bull’s 2025 challenger. Verstappen ran 74 laps in the RB21.
“Driving in terms of everything felt good”, said Verstappen. “Only good surprises, so that’s positive. We don’t yet know where we are in terms of pace, but everything works fine and the car does what I want. We have everything under control and that’s all we can hope for at the beginning of my test.”, he added.
Red Bull had a lot of issues that started becoming more prominent as the season progressed. While Verstappen did manage to win the WDC, it wasn’t as dominating of a victory as it was in 2023. Lando Norris was only 63 behind the Dutch driver.
🏁Formula 1 Testing Day 1
Morning Session ✅
Afternoon Session ✅Lando Norris tops the sheets in a Red Flag disturbed day of testing!#F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/F1csz6tWJ9
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) February 26, 2025
The issues with the car continued and Sergio Perez wasn’t able to keep up with the constant problems. The Mexican driver failed to score the vital points necessary for Red Bull, pushing them to third in the constructor’s championship. Verstappen also talked about how he hopes to build the momentum forward.
“We constantly learn and try different things. We will continue to do so. It’s not about driving the perfect lap, but working on our testing program and learning in which direction to develop the car to get it under control,” said the Dutchman.
The 4x WDC seems to be happy with the stability of the RB21 as he managed a third position on the board for the afternoon session. Verstappen’s words bring back hope to Red Bull as they aim to win the constructor’s championship again.
Helmut Marko states that Red Bull has taken a step forward from 2024
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, was also very pleased with Max Verstappen’s opinions on the RB21.
The 81-year-old remarked how the last year’s car had several reactivity issues where the car was not reacting to the driver’s actions. The RB21 seems to have it under control, reacting perfectly to driver input.
“What I can say is that Max had a very good long run, and he feels the car better than last year’s model, and the new car also reacts more predictably.”
“Those were our weaknesses in 2024, so it looks like we’ve taken a step forward.” said Helmut Marko.
🚨 Helmut Marko: “What I can say is that Max had a very good long run, and he feels the car better than last year’s model, and the new car also reacts more predictably.”
“Those were our weaknesses in 2024, so it looks like we’ve taken a step forward.” pic.twitter.com/OvAYZTQc5F
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) February 26, 2025
Max Verstappen’s long run during the test gave a lot of required data to Red Bull. The next two days of testing should prove even more crucial to the team as they verify and compare the data.
All eyes are on Max Verstappen and Lando Norris as the two rivals head into the season. Max Verstappen will try his best to defend his title from the Brit, who was the closest challenger to him last year.
