Max Verstappen continues to push his limits as the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds, but the Dutch driver has openly acknowledged his dissatisfaction with the Red Bull RB21 race car. Even though he successfully defended his world championship earlier this year, Verstappen admits that the RB21 does not align with his preferred driving style, forcing him to adapt rather than excel naturally. This admission underscores the challenges Verstappen faces in extracting peak performance from a car that he does not fully connect with.
Red Bull has built a reputation for complex and difficult-to-drive cars in recent years, with many of its drivers struggling to match Verstappen’s pace. Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammates, have often found it hard to unlock the car’s full potential, fueling speculation that the team sets up its cars around Verstappen’s unique style. However, Verstappen himself rejects this belief, emphasizing that the RB21 is not the ideal vehicle in his eyes but rather a machine he must push beyond its limits.
Verstappen Describes His Approach to the RB21
Verstappen candidly shared that his relationship with the RB21 is one of necessary adaptation rather than preference. According to the four-time world champion, he drives the car in the way that is fastest on the track, even if that conflicts with what he would ideally want in a race car.
“I adapt to what I have. It’s not what I like, it’s simply what I have. I have to try to drive in that direction because it’s the fastest way to travel the track, but it’s not what I personally would like.” — Max Verstappen, as quoted by FormulaPassion.it
He added that while he would want changes to some components of the car to better suit his preferences, he remains content with his performance levels. Verstappen stressed that his motivation is not to prove himself to others but rather to challenge himself personally and continue to seek self-improvement on track.
“I would like different components on the machine. I’m happy with my performance, but I’m not doing it to show people what I’m capable of. I do it because I want to be the best with myself.” — Max Verstappen
Public Perception and Media Reactions on Verstappen and the RB21
Despite the driver’s struggles with the car, Verstappen has maintained a high level of performance, refusing to let the RB21’s limitations impede his race strategy. Media outlets and fans have noticed Verstappen’s perseverance amid difficulties, highlighted by a social media post that echoed his stance on the RB21.
“Verstappen and RB21: ‘I adapt to what I have, but it’s not what I like’ — Max Verstappen has dismissed claims that the Red Bull car is tailored to his driving style. Despite his success, Verstappen emphasized that the RB21 is not his ideal vehicle.” — This is Formula 1 (@ThisIsFormu1a1)
This acknowledgment reflects the tension between Verstappen’s exceptional skill and the challenges posed by a car that does not fully meet his expectations, showcasing the intense mental and physical demands he faces every time he races.
Verstappen’s Perfectionism and Pressure Amid 2025 Challenges
Max Verstappen has described himself as a perfectionist, a trait that both drives his success and contributes to a constant feeling of dissatisfaction. Despite being at the peak of his career and boasting multiple world titles, Verstappen admits he rarely feels his performance is sufficient.
“In that sense, I’m quite a perfectionist, it’s never enough and if I can get out of the car and tell myself ‘this is good enough’, it’s never good enough.” — Max Verstappen
This mindset means that even on good days, Verstappen remains critical of his efforts, which can serve as motivation but also risks mental strain. His perfectionism has set extremely high standards for himself, intensifying the pressure to perform, especially given Red Bull’s current struggles and the diminishing likelihood of a title defense this season.
The Broader Impact of Verstappen’s Struggles with Red Bull’s Car
Verstappen’s ongoing difficulties with the RB21 highlight the complexities involved in F1 car development and how even the sport’s best drivers must adapt to machinery that may not fit their style perfectly. While Verstappen’s skill allows him to maximize the car’s potential, his open critique suggests that improvements to the RB21’s design could be crucial for Red Bull’s continued success.
The driver’s willingness to push himself despite discomfort signals his determination to maintain his place at the top of the sport, but it also raises questions about Red Bull’s engineering direction and how it can better support Verstappen’s driving approach in future seasons.
As Red Bull and Verstappen look toward the remainder of the 2025 season and beyond, the focus will likely be on addressing the car’s shortcomings. Verstappen’s honest assessment may serve as a catalyst for technical changes, with the goal of aligning car performance more closely to his style, which has proven dominant when conditions are right.