After starting 2024 in dominant fashion, Red Bull\u2019s grip weakened in the latter half of the season, with McLaren and Ferrari mounting a serious challenge. While Verstappen managed to clinch his fourth consecutive Drivers\u2019 Championship, Red Bull were beaten in the Constructors\u2019 Championship by McLaren. Heading into 2025, Verstappen is expecting an even tougher battle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I know that we are not the quickest at the moment,\" Verstappen told reporters on media day. \"But it\u2019s a long season. If you had asked the same question here last year, by the end of the season, everything looked completely different. So a lot of things can always change quite quickly in Formula 1.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Red Bull\u2019s RB21 showed flashes of improvement during pre-season testing, but Verstappen remains cautious about the car\u2019s outright competitiveness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Naturally, there\u2019s an improvement from last year, but there are still things we need to work on,\" he explained. \"Bahrain was just a test, and now we\u2019re at a completely different track. We\u2019ll see how we stack up here.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Red Bull are managing expectations, McLaren have been tipped as early favourites following their strong pre-season showing. However, Norris - who pushed Verstappen hard in 2024 - has dismissed the idea that McLaren have an edge over their rivals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I don\u2019t think we are superior to our competitors,\" Norris said. \"There\u2019s been a lot of talk, but I really don\u2019t think we\u2019re any further ahead than we were last season. It\u2019s going to be a tough weekend, and we\u2019ll be fighting with everyone.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With McLaren\u2019s late-season resurgence last year, some rivals have suggested that the team may have an advantage heading into 2025. However, Norris was quick to reject such claims, hinting that the narrative may be exaggerated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I don\u2019t know what other teams are doing, but they love a chat, that\u2019s for sure!\" he joked. \"But it doesn\u2019t matter. We\u2019ll see what happens in the next few days. We had a good test in Bahrain, but that doesn\u2019t mean we\u2019re quicker than the others. I think people will be surprised when the real racing starts.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With McLaren\u2019s late-season resurgence last year, some rivals have suggested that the team may have an advantage heading into 2025. However, Norris was quick to reject such claims, hinting that the narrative may be exaggerated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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