Max Verstappen: Red Bull unlikely to win Australian Grand Prix

Dominika Jordan
Mar 9, 2025, 05:17 AM ET

Reigning champion Max Verstappen has expressed doubts about Red Bull's chances of securing a victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Despite clinching his fourth consecutive title in 2024, Verstappen witnessed his team slip to third in the constructors' championship standings. Red Bull's pre-season testing results have done little to allay concerns, as the team completed the fewest laps of any competitor and remains apprehensive about the upcoming season.

Verstappen has doubts about the current Red Bull’s performance.

"I don't think we can fight for the win already in Melbourne," Verstappen disclosed to Dutch media at an event on Friday.

Held at Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit, the Australian Grand Prix is known for its unique challenges, which often don't reflect the competitive dynamics of more conventional tracks featured later in the season. Consequently, the opening race may not provide a clear indication of the teams' standings for the entirety of the season.

Lando Norris, Verstappen's closest challenger last year, has emerged as the bookmakers' favorite to claim the 2025 title. Verstappen acknowledged the strength of Norris' McLaren team when contemplating potential championship contenders.

"At the moment, only one, and that team is orange! That's a very nice color, of course, but from our side, we still have work to do. Other teams want to see some improvements as well, I think, so at the moment one team is clearly in front," he remarked.

Regarding the lap times observed in pre-season testing, Verstappen admitted, "If you look at the lap times, then I think McLaren is the favorite. On our side, not everything went completely smoothly, but on the other hand, we have some ideas on how to improve."

As the 2025 Formula 1 season kicks off, all eyes will be on Melbourne to see if Red Bull can overcome their pre-season struggles and rise to the occasion.