Lando Norris weighs in on the Red Bull RB21’s strengths amid Max Verstappen’s mixed results in F1 2025. Norris believes the RB21’s performance isn’t as bad as some suggest.
- Verstappen has experienced highs and lows, from a win at Suzuka to setbacks in Bahrain.
- Despite finishing behind Norris in Australia, Verstappen showcased the RB21’s capabilities.
- Norris acknowledges McLaren’s superior car but insists Red Bull’s package remains strong.
- Expectations for Mercedes and Ferrari remain high, with Norris foreseeing competitive races ahead.
The early days of the F1 2025 season have been a rollercoaster for Max Verstappen and Red Bull, with Lando Norris stepping up to defend the performance of the RB21. He argues that the notion of Verstappen racing a subpar car is misleading. ‘It’s pretty damn good,’ he asserts, noting the consistency required to perform near the front of the pack.
Verstappen’s season has seen him navigate a spectrum of results, from the triumph of seizing a win at Suzuka to the unexpected struggle resulting in a sixth-place finish in Bahrain. Despite the hiccup in Bahrain, Verstappen remains within striking distance in the championship race, trailing Oscar Piastri by just five points and Norris by eight.
Norris points to the Australian Grand Prix as a testament to the RB21’s strengths, where Verstappen finished second under tough conditions. ‘He was right on me,’ Norris recalls, acknowledging both the driver’s skill and the car’s prowess.
There is respect on Norris’s part for the competitive package Red Bull has crafted, and he regards Verstappen as a driver not to be underestimated. ‘We can never doubt them,’ Norris says, asserting the synergy between a capable car and a skilled driver.
While delighted with McLaren’s current standing, Norris remains grounded in reality and prepared for strong showings from rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari. He predicts a dynamic season with victories possibly on the horizon for both teams.
In the constructors’ race, McLaren enjoys a comfortable lead over Mercedes, highlighting their superior performance so far. While individual drivers jostle for the top of the leaderboard, the team remains focused on maintaining their advantage.
The F1 2025 season continues to unfold with Norris emphasizing that while McLaren holds the edge, the competition from Red Bull and other teams remains fierce.
