Red Bull Racing is set for an urgent strategy meeting following a challenging start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, as confirmed by Helmut Marko, the team's advisor. In a tense Chinese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen finished in a disappointing fourth position while teammate Liam Lawson's struggles saw him finish 15th. The team is grappling with deeper questions concerning their current competitiveness and the form of their rookie driver Lawson.
This week, Helmut Marko stated, "This week there is a meeting in Milton Keynes to discuss when and how we can close the gap." The urgency arises from a recognition that while Verstappen has accumulated 36 points this season, Lawson has yet to score. The young driver faced significant challenges during his debut races. In Australia, Lawson crashed out amid tricky conditions, managing to qualify last for both the Sprint and Grand Prix, though he did improve his position slightly during the races.
Reflecting on the race in Shanghai, Marko offered insight into the team's performance, noting, "We are worried, but it is not like we are throwing in the towel." He attributed some of the issues related to Verstappen's performance to tire strategy, pointing out that the team lost pace while on medium tires. Marko explained, "On the hard tyre, we were as fast as the frontrunners. We lost the race with the first set of mediums." Verstappen's start was also less than ideal; he fell behind early in the race and struggled to regain lost ground.
In the qualifying performances, Verstappen started from the second row, a position that he believed was suboptimal. "It feels like we are now the fourth fastest team," he remarked, reflecting on the realities of the competition. He highlighted that despite the potential seen in the timing sheets, the reality on track painted a different picture. Verstappen expressed doubt over the team's chances of competing for a victory, saying, "I expect no drastic change that would allow us to compete at the front. All the numbers seem fine, but the gap is bigger than it appears at first glance."
Adding to Red Bull's worries, Yuki Tsunoda, a competitor and potential replacement for Lawson, indicated he would be 100 percent ready to step in from the Japanese Grand Prix if necessary. This comment underscores the pressure Lawson faces to perform and the ongoing scrutiny of his progression as a driver. In contrast, the team's more experienced drivers, such as Verstappen and the McLaren lineup, remain under constant pressure to deliver results.
Marko's optimism stands in contrast to Verstappen’s apprehension. He is hopeful that changes made during the Sprint race will yield positive results. "We have two new hard tires and one new medium tire, so I expect it to be a two-stop race," Marko commented. He believes that with better tire management, Red Bull could mount a competitive challenge against McLaren and Ferrari, the current leaders in the standings.
However, Verstappen remains wary. He recalled the operational challenges the team faced during qualifying, expressing frustration with the car's balance that seemed inconsistent from lap to lap. He said, "Each lap presented different issues—understeering, oversteering, making it difficult to find a setup that works consistently." With the new asphalt at the Shanghai circuit also set to exacerbate tire wear, it is clear that both drivers face hurdles in overcoming their current performance deficits.
Liam Lawson’s performance may become a focal point in the upcoming meeting. Marko acknowledged that performance is ultimately what matters in Formula 1, saying, "In Formula 1, performance is what counts, and at the moment, Liam is the one who is a bit behind.” While Lawson’s past achievements as a junior driver are commendable, this season’s struggles have raised questions about his readiness for the top tier of racing.
In the meantime, Isack Hadjar, another Red Bull prospect, completed a standout qualifying performance, finishing in seventh position, providing some solace for the team amid the surrounding issues. Marko mentioned, "Especially Hadjar is very impressive, considering it is his second race. I think he is a promising talent for the future." This acknowledgment of Hadjar's potential may add weight to the conversation around Lawson’s status if he cannot start delivering results soon.
As fans eagerly anticipate the next race, the emerging narrative surrounding Red Bull suggests a crossroads moment for the team in how they will address both their competitive edge and the performance of their drivers. Whether the planned discussions will lead to a strategic turnaround remains to be seen, but it is clear that this Formula 1 season will require adaptation and perhaps a re-evaluation of driver roles as the pursuit of points intensifies.
The meeting in Milton Keynes could determine the team’s trajectory as they strive to return to podium contention amidst stiff competition from rivals. The future of Lawson and the overall strategy for Red Bull will hinge on this critical assessment.
