Red Bull Racing Addresses Max Verstappen’s Braking Issues Ahead of Emilia-Romagna GP
Red Bull Racing has made significant strides in tackling one of the primary concerns surrounding Max Verstappen during the 2025 Formula 1 season. Helmut Marko, the team’s advisor, recently announced that the braking issues that have been plaguing the Dutch driver in previous races have finally been resolved. "We have good news: our braking problems have been addressed," Marko stated while at the Imola circuit.
This issue has been a source of anxiety for the Red Bull team since the season commenced, especially considering the impressive performance of McLaren in this area. Despite the advancements made, Marko emphasized that there are no quick fixes in the contemporary Formula 1 landscape. "Nothing can be resolved swiftly in modern F1," he remarked.
In addition to the updates on braking, Marko shared insights regarding Red Bull’s competitive position relative to McLaren. "We’ve made additional adjustments. If we’re able to implement these changes effectively tomorrow (Saturday), there may be potential for improvement," he noted. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the strong form of the Woking-based team in recent races, indicating that McLaren remains a formidable competitor on the track.
As the 2026 regulations loom, Red Bull is not yet ready to shift its focus entirely to the upcoming season. "We are strong enough and have enough personnel to continue developing both the 2025 and 2026 cars simultaneously," Marko assured fans and analysts alike. This dual focus demonstrates Red Bull’s commitment to maintaining its competitive edge while also preparing for future challenges.
Marko also commented on the progression of the RB21 following the initial practice sessions at Imola. "Max had been expressing concerns about understeer. It seems that this issue is now partially resolved. We hope that further adjustments to the setup will also restore his confidence in the rear end of the car," he added. This statement underscores the ongoing commitment of Red Bull to fine-tune their vehicle and optimize Verstappen’s driving experience.
Regarding the strategy for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, uncertainties remain, particularly due to the introduction of a new soft tire compound (C6) from Pirelli. "We’ll wait to see how the temperatures are tomorrow. We still need to determine whether we will have one or two pit stops during the race and which tires we will utilize; we will only finalize our strategy on Sunday," concluded Marko. This cautious approach highlights the unpredictability of race day conditions and the importance of adaptability in Formula 1 strategy.
In conclusion, Red Bull Racing is actively working to enhance Max Verstappen’s performance by addressing critical issues while also keeping an eye on future developments. As the team prepares for the Emilia-Romagna GP, they remain committed to refining their strategies and vehicles to ensure they remain competitive against their rivals in the 2025 season and beyond.
