Verstappen: RB21 still struggles with kerbs and bumps

Max Verstappen has identified a significant weakness in Red Bull's new challenger.

The RB21 continues to struggle with bumps and kerbs despite winter development efforts aimed at resolving this specific problem that plagued last season's car.

The four-time World Champion, seeking his fifth consecutive title in 2025, delivered a candid assessment of the new machine following pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Balance improvements mixed with familiar challenges

Verstappen acknowledged some positive changes to the RB21's handling characteristics compared to its predecessor.

"In terms of balance, maybe a bit more together at the entry to the middle of the corner,"

Verstappen told Viaplay when asked about differences from last year's car.

But the Dutchman immediately highlighted that Red Bull's achilles heel remains.

The team's difficulty with bumpy circuit surfaces and kerb riding—issues that derailed their dominant start to 2024—persist into the new season.

"There are still some problems with the kerbs, the bumps.That's obviously not our strong point with us, but I just keep harping on that."

Verstappen admitted.

Technical Direction Shift

Red Bull technical director Pierre Waché previously revealed the team has deliberately sacrificed some performance potential to create a more drivable package.

"What we did this year is to maybe reduce the complete potential of the car, the peakiness, but giving a more easy way to use by the driver – that's what our main purpose was, especially on the entry of the corner,"

Waché explained during testing.

This approach reflects Red Bull's response to their 2024 development troubles.

Despite Verstappen's early-season dominance, which saw him win seven of the first ten races, the RB20 became increasingly difficult to extract performance from as the year progressed.

Not fast enough for Australia

The reigning champion has tempered expectations ahead of the season opener, suggesting Red Bull won't have the pace to challenge for victory.

"I don't think we can compete for the win [in Australia], but I do hope we can already make some improvements in a few races," Verstappen said.

He identified McLaren as favorites based on pre-season testing performance, adding that Red Bull's own testing program "didn't go completely smoothly" but expressed confidence that the team has "ideas on how to improve."

Early warning signs ignored

The current issues appear to vindicate concerns Verstappen raised early in 2024, which reportedly weren't initially taken seriously within the team.

Jos Verstappen, Max's father, revealed last August:

"He also said then that the balance is not right. Of course, that was not brought out at the time. They then try to keep that inside [the team]".

"He complained about the balance there too. Max actually complained about it about three months ago. Only they didn't really believe it. Or they didn't really see it."

Red Bull faces a critical challenge as they attempt to resolve these persistent handling characteristics.

Verstappen's candid assessment suggests the team must find solutions quickly if they hope to maintain their championship-winning form against strengthening competition from McLaren and others.

The Australian Grand Prix will provide the first true indicator of Red Bull's competitiveness as the F1 2025 season begins.