Max Verstappen has conceded that it is “hard to pinpoint” whether Red Bull can recover what he has estimated to be a five-tenth gap to McLaren in Formula 1 in 2025.
Verstappen couldn’t replicate the heroics that saw him usurp the McLarens in Japan amid the hardships that plagued Red Bull during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.
The Dutchman rued problems with the car balance, brakes and overheating as he qualified seventh and then relied on a last-lap overtake on an Alpine to salvage sixth.
Verstappen’s discontent was visible post-race as he even contended that Red Bull had lapped slower around Sakhir than 12 months ago when he dominated the event.
“Others have improved more than we have, that’s clear,” Verstappen professed.
“Others simply have their things better sorted at the moment. We definitely need to make big steps, but that’s nothing new. It’s not like everything suddenly has changed today.”
Red Bull boss Christian Horner is adamant the side understands where the problems lie, but addressing them is a waiting game until updates are brought to the RB21.
But while it is expected that a considerable package will be brought to Imola next month, Verstappen isn’t assured that it will deliver the sizeable step Red Bull desires.
Asked whether he is counting down until those new parts arrive, Verstappen said: “No. It’s also very hard to say what we can expect from that. I have no idea.”
Verstappen uncertain on Red Bull turnaround
Earlier in the weekend, Verstappen, who was a single point behind Lando Norris at the time, expressed that he isn’t in the running to retain the championship in 2025.
Pressed on whether a turnaround is possible this season, Verstappen responded: “I hope so, but it’s hard to pinpoint when or even if that can happen.
“We’re working on it, we’re doing our best, but that’s all we can do.”
Red Bull’s gap to McLaren revealed
Verstappen has claimed that the RB21 limitations that were exposed in Bahrain have amounted to Red Bull harbouring as much as a half-second deficit to McLaren.
“Yeah, half a second is a lot… But we’re also really struggling with the car balance,” he addressed.
“So it’s two things. We need to add more grip and we need to find a better balance. It’s two areas that need improvement.
“The problem is that it’s not just one issue. It’s a combination of things, and the issues are also a little bit different again at every track.
But in any case, it’s a tough situation at the moment.”
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