Max Verstappen’s initial experience with the RB21 has been notably positive, marking a significant improvement over its predecessor, the RB20. The previous season presented Red Bull with numerous challenges, leading to a mid-season decline in performance. Despite Verstappen’s remarkable early-season form securing him a fourth consecutive F1 title, the team slipped to third in the Constructors’ Championship—their lowest standing since 2019.
Reflecting on the RB20, Verstappen did not mince words. When asked to compare it to the current RB21, he remarked, “It couldn’t possibly be worse than the previous year.” He expressed optimism about the new car’s direction, stating, “I believe the path we are pursuing is positive; we just need to pursue it and observe how much we can gain.”
Red Bull’s pre-season testing faced hurdles, with the team completing the fewest laps among all competitors due to minor issues over the three-day period. However, Verstappen remains upbeat about the car’s initial feel ahead of the season opener in Australia later this month. He acknowledged that it’s still early days, with many aspects under evaluation and improvement, but he found the first day of testing enjoyable—a significant change from the previous year.
The RB20’s performance last season was a rollercoaster. While the team attempted to introduce upgrades to regain their early-season dominance, competitors like McLaren and Ferrari upped their game, pushing Red Bull to third in the Constructors’ Championship. Verstappen managed two more wins at the São Paulo and Qatar Grands Prix, clinching the Drivers’ Championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, teammate Sergio Pérez’s struggles, including a clutch issue leading to a DNF in Qatar, meant the team was out of contention for the Constructors’ title by that point. The RB20 concluded the season with nine wins, 18 podiums, and eight pole positions.
In contrast, the RB21 seems to be a step in the right direction. During pre-season testing in Bahrain, Verstappen described the car as “quite decent to drive,” noting it was more predictable than its predecessor. He credited the team for learning from last year’s challenges and addressing them in the new design. While he acknowledged it’s early days with much to analyze, he emphasized that enjoying the drive is already a significant improvement.
Verstappen also highlighted that the RB21 has shown improvements across the board compared to last year, though he preferred not to delve into specifics. He emphasized that after just half a day of testing, there’s still much to analyze, but the initial signs are positive.
As the team gears up for the season opener in Melbourne, there’s a palpable sense of optimism. The improvements in the RB21, combined with lessons learned from the previous season, position Red Bull and Verstappen to tackle the upcoming challenges with renewed vigor. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how these developments translate on the track.
