Verstappen: Red Bull ‘still strong’ but needs ‘slight rebuilding’

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Max Verstappen believes Red Bull Racing remains a powerhouse in Formula 1 but admits the team has entered a “slight rebuilding” phase as it seeks to reclaim the dominance it once enjoyed.

The Dutchman’s assessment comes after a sharp decline Red Bull’s on-track supremacy.

Following four consecutive years of championship success in the ground effect era, the Milton Keynes outfit slipped to third in the 2024 constructors’ standings behind McLaren and Ferrari, and now sits fourth midway through the 2025 season, having also been overhauled by Mercedes.

A Call for Rebuilding

Reflecting on Red Bull’s journey in an interview with F1.com, Verstappen acknowledged his team’s current struggles.

“The team has gone from of course winning championships before I arrived, to when I arrived, a bit through a rebuilding phase, and then we really hit the peak again of winning championships.

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“Now I feel like [it's a] slight rebuilding. We're still of course a very strong team, but I do think that to make again a step up, there's slight rebuilding or restructuring maybe, and understanding a little bit more what's going on, and that of course takes a little bit of time, but hopefully not too much time.”

Verstappen’s comments at least highlight his belief in the team’s potential to rebound swiftly.

Off-track changes add to challenge

Red Bull’s downturn has coincided with sweeping changes behind the scenes. Christian Horner was replaced in July by Laurent Mekies as team principal and Red Bull Racing CEO, a move that followed the departure of key figures including legendary designer Adrian Newey and long-time sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.

Despite these shake-ups, Verstappen insisted his trust in the squad’s resilience was intact.

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“I think that's also a bit the mentality of the team [to fight back from a dip], it's always been like that, so I'm not too worried about that,” he said.

Verstappen’s individual performances have been crucial in keeping Red Bull in the mix. He has scored 187 of the team’s 194 points this season, placing him third in the drivers’ standings heading into the summer break.

Formula 1 returns later this month at Zandvoort, where Verstappen will have the chance to race in front of his home crowd at the Dutch Grand Prix from August 29–31.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.