Why the latest updates can no longer help Verstappen and Red Bull

13:30, 20 Jul

Updated: 18:43, 20 Jul

byLudo van Denderen

With a final package of updates, Red Bull Racing hopes to turn the tide and get Max Verstappen back in the fight for the world title. However, the Dutch driver himself doesn't count on it. So, what is realistically possible during the Belgian and Hungarian Grands Prix - the last before the summer break?

Max Verstappen has not been fooling himself for months. Time after time, the four-time world champion emphatically states he is not at all concerned about a fifth world title in 2025; for that, the McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are far too strong.

The fact that Helmut Marko told the Austrian press that the title has not been written off yet, seems mainly like a quote for show. Even the external advisor must realize that catching up with Mclaren is an impossible task.

Red Bull needs a miracle

Not only does the British squad need to suffer a massive collapse, but Red Bull also needs to have found the ultimate solution after eighteen months of struggle to make the RB21 more stable, kinder on the tyres, and therefore faster. If all that comes with so many ifs and buts, only a miracle can make them all possible at the same time.

Before the focus is fully on the RB22 for 2026, Red Bull will introduce a final package of updates for the current car. These are updates to the car's bodywork, not (anymore) to the floor.

Perhaps McLaren can be challenged on the fast circuit of Spa-Francorchamps; with a few fast corners that typically suit the Red Bull of Verstappen - just as the McLarens can cope well with them. There is a sprint race in Belgium, which means that Red Bull has one free practice session to optimize the setup. It just happens to be a chronic problem to get it right in the first free practice session.

Hungary will be a tough challenge for Red Bull

An update package will probably not be enough to be competitive in Hungary a week later. The Hungaroring is a narrow circuit with many slow corners - in short, everything the RB21 does not like. Moreover, it can get boiling hot in the Budapest summer, which Red Bull does not find pleasant.

Red Bull Racing wants to make progress with updates

To be competitive there, more than just updates are needed. A complete change in the philosophy of the RB21 is necessary. And Red Bull is not going to do that anymore. In advance, a lost weekend is looming in Hungary, where damage limitation is the strategy, while in Belgium everything must come together on the first day.

Helmut Marko said in the Austrian press that after the Belgian and Hungarian Grands Prix, the world title can or cannot be written off. It would be very unusual if Verstappen is back in the race for a fifth championship after these races.