Red Bull Racing's 2024 F1 season presented a stark contrast to their crushing, near-perfect 2023 campaign.
While Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Drivers' Championship, the team's overall performance was hampered by a confluence of internal and external factors, resulting in a – dare we say 'lowly' – third-place finish in the Constructors' standings.
The RB20, despite showing flashes of brilliance, particularly at high-speed venues, suffered from balance and reliability issues, particularly mid-season. This inconsistency prevented the team from achieving the level of dominance they had enjoyed in previous years.
Furthermore, internal tensions in the opening roots of the season, including public comments from Jos Verstappen regarding team dynamics and Christian Horner's stewardship, did little to instill a climate of serenity with the bulls' camp.
The departure of design guru Adrian Newey to Aston Martin was a seismic loss that also inevitably rocked the team.
Max Verstappen, as clinical as ever, upheld his legacy in the first part of the season, claiming seven wins in the first ten races, and generating a valuable points tally that kept him ahead of his closest rival – one Lando Norris – in the Drivers ' standings when a lean period set in over the summer and early autumn.
But the Dutchman's exceptional talent shined through in Sao Paulo where he won from P17 on the grid, and then again in Qatar.
On the other hand, Pérez's season was an unmitigated disaster. While the Mexican started strong, securing podiums in the early races, his form deteriorated rapidly.
Missing Q3 in ten races and amassing just 152 points to Verstappen's 429, Pérez became a liability in Red Bull's Constructors' Championship battle. His inability to consistently deliver left the team vulnerable, and by season's end, his future with Red Bull appeared all but sealed.
The team's third-place finish in the Constructors' standings reflected their struggles. While Verstappen's dominance ensured they remained ahead of Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari emerged ahead.
Still, 2024 wasn't without its positives. Verstappen's individual success reaffirmed his status as one of the sport's greatest, and the team's resilience in moments like Qatar and Brazil offered glimpses of their fighting spirit.
For Red Bull, 2024 was a humbling reminder that even dynasties can stumble.
What's in store for 2025?
Red Bull enters 2025 facing a crucial test of its resilience. While Max Verstappen remains a formidable force, the team navigates a significant shift in its dynamic. Liam Lawson steps into the spotlight, partnering the Dutchman in what will be a defining season for the young Kiwi.
But the absence of Adrian Newey, now at Aston Martin, casts a long shadow over the team's technical department. Can Red Bull maintain its competitive edge without its genius?
The RB21 will be under intense scrutiny, tasked with addressing the balance issues that plagued its predecessor. Verstappen's ability to extract maximum performance will be vital, while Lawson must quickly adapt to the pressures of a top team. The Verstappen-Lawson partnership presents an intriguing dynamic, with the experienced champion mentoring a promising newcomer.
Can Red Bull reassert their dominance in 2025, or will the team undergo a year of consolidation before the sport's major regulation reset?
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