Verstappen claims RB21 is no longer a 'monster of a car' compared to last year
Updated: 09:46, 05 Sep 2025
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Co-author:Tobia Elia
Kevin Doldersum is a Formula 1 reporter at GPblog, specializing in data, strategy, and technical developments within the sport. With a background in media and years of F1 experience, he delivers reliable live coverage, analysis, and insights that go beyond the results.
Max Verstappen has struggled with car balance since 2024, calling the RB20 an 'undrivable monster'. The Dutchman is more positive this season but he admitted the car is still not perfect.
Meanwhile, McLaren has been dominating in 2025. With 584 points in the constructors’ standings, the Woking-based team has nearly three times Red Bull’s tally. Verstappen also trails well behind drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the championship fight.
When asked in Italy whether he would still label the RB21 as a monster, Verstappen told GPblog: ''It's different. This year I don't have these really big instability problems or whatever.''
Verstappen only finished in P9 in Hungary, Red Bull Contentpool
RB21 doesn't let Verstappen 'go faster'
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Although the major issues with drivability have been resolved compared to 2024, the performance is not as the Dutchman would like it to be. The car simply lacks speed. This became very evident, for example, in Hungary.
''Of course, we are not as competitive as we would like to be,'' the four-time world champion continued
He concluded: ''I would like to go faster, but it's not letting me go faster. It's not a disaster to drive.''
After his podium in Zandvoort, the Dutchman now turns his focus to the Italian Grand Prix. Unlike most F1 teams, Red Bull will not equip him with an extra small rear wing this weekend.
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 156 | |
2 | FerrariFER | 90 | |
3 | MercedesMER | 88 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 75 | |
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