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Reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen’s quest for a historic fifth consecutive title hit an unexpected bump during pre-season testing—and it wasn’t just car troubles making headlines. The Dutch sensation, known for his ice-cool demeanor, sparked concern after visibly losing his composure behind the wheel of Red Bull’s RB21.
As teams fine-tuned their machines ahead of the 2025 season, Verstappen’s uncharacteristic outburst caught the eye of a seasoned F1 analyst, who weighed in on whether this moment hints at vulnerability in Red Bull’s armor. Is the championship favorite already under pressure?
Verstappen’s angry spin sparks Red Bull concerns
Max Verstappen’s dominance over Formula 1 has been near-absolute since 2021, but cracks may be emerging in Red Bull’s golden facade. During pre-season testing in Bahrain, the three-time defending champion struggled with an unruly RB21, culminating in a rare spin that left him “angry” and shaking his head—a moment that didn’t escape Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle’s sharp eye.
“We saw Max out on track, shaking his head once and spinning up the wheels because he was angry the car went around on him,” Brundle revealed. “I didn’t sense it was exactly glued to the race-track… they were pretty tricky conditions in that pre-season test.”
The incident underscored broader concerns for Red Bull, who completed the fewest laps of any team during testing. Technical director Pierre Wache admitted the car “did not respond how we wanted at times,” while advisor Helmut Marko conceded they’re “two to three-tenths” slower than rivals McLaren. Verstappen himself tempered expectations:
“I do not think we can fight for the win in Melbourne… We still have work to do.”
Brundle, however, isn’t ready to count out the Dutch phenom. Despite Red Bull’s rocky start, he insists Max Verstappen remains the title favorite.
“Max starts the season as the favourite because he will be clear number one in that team… He’s so fast, he’s so good,” Brundle said. “He knows how to win multiple championships—so does Lewis [Hamilton]. His main rivals… don’t know how to win any F1 World Championships.”
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a thriller, with McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes nipping at Red Bull’s heels. Brundle predicts an “all-time classic” battle, noting the top four teams are “incredibly close.” Yet Verstappen’s ability to thrive under pressure remains his ace in the hole. Even with a finicky car, his track record of turning frustration into focus could keep Red Bull in contention.
For now, all eyes are on Melbourne. Will Max Verstappen’s testing tantrum prove a minor blip—or a sign of cracks in Red Bull’s reign?
