Max Verstappen has recently noted that the cars from Red Bull Racing are notably more challenging to handle compared to those of their sister team, the Racing Bulls. Although the reigning four-time world champion has had a solid start to the season, securing second place in Melbourne and claiming fourth in Shanghai, there’s an unsettling trend emerging. Red Bull’s previously dominant edge seems to be fading, with the current RB21 lagging behind McLaren’s MCL39 in performance.
Verstappen’s new teammate, Liam Lawson, also encountered difficulties in the early rounds of the season and is likely to be reassigned to Racing Bulls before the looming Japanese Grand Prix, swapping places with Yuki Tsunoda. Lawson, who launched his Formula 1 career with the junior team, made an impression in late 2021 as he tested for Racing Bulls and was later named reserve driver for both Red Bull-owned squads. Fresh off of an unexpected debut at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he finished 13th, Lawson proved his capabilities with a points finish in Singapore. However, his performance has struggled since stepping up to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull for the upcoming season.
After the Chinese Grand Prix, Verstappen expressed confidence that Lawson would perform better in the more user-friendly Racing Bulls vehicle, claiming, “If you put Liam in the Racing Bulls car, he will go faster. I really think so.” He suggested that the VCARB 02 is less demanding to drive than the RB21, implying that the Red Bull car’s specific design, tailored to Verstappen’s preferences, presents a steeper learning curve.
Verstappen’s comment hints at a known issue: Red Bull vehicles have been increasingly designed around his unique driving style, which favours a sharp front end and a loose rear—conditions that less experienced drivers often find tough to manage. This trend has been corroborated by former teammate Alex Albon, who remarked on the challenges posed by a car customised for Verstappen, noting that it’s not easily accommodating to other drivers.
As Lawson continues to grapple with the RB21’s sensitivity, he acknowledged the necessity of finding the optimal driving window quickly, stating, “It’s just a very small window. It’s hard to drive, to get it in that window. I’d like to say that with time, that’ll come. I just don’t have that time.” His admission highlights the pressure to adapt swiftly in the competitive world of F1, as both the car and the team dynamics evolve in this rapidly changing environment.