Latest news with #RB21F1
Newsweek
a day ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Honda Chief Sheds Light on Red Bull's Alleged Plans to Replace Yuki Tsunoda
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) president Koji Watanabe has opened up about rumors of Red Bull Racing parting ways with Yuki Tsunoda during the Formula One summer break next month. Watanabe addressed the topic after discussions with Red Bull during the British Grand Prix weekend. Honda has backed Tsunoda's racing career extensively. The Japanese automaker is also Red Bull's current power unit supplier, a relationship that reportedly influenced Tsunoda's promotion to Red Bull in March. Watanabe met Tsunoda at Silverstone and addressed concerns surrounding his performance. The 25-year-old driver has been struggling to adapt to Red Bull's RB21 F1 car. This also affected Liam Lawson in the first two Grands Prix of 2025, eventually leading to his demotion to junior F1 team Racing Bulls. Tsunoda is placed 17th in the Drivers' Standings, having scored points in just three Grands Prix out of twelve thus far. At Silverstone, Tsunoda finished P15. His teammate Max Verstappen has also been struggling to win races, and Red Bull's push to enhance the RB21's performance has yielded little success. Watanabe was asked about Tsunoda's performance in an interview. Revealing his opinion, he said: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing arrives in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2025 in Spielberg,... Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing arrives in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. More"Looking at the results from the outside, my honest impression is that they are struggling more than we expected. However, after keeping in contact with Yuki and listening to him, it seems that he is taking a more positive view than we thought. "If the car's fighting power can be improved and they can seize the opportunity, I believe they can still do well. To that end, we at HRC will continue to provide them with our full support going forward as always." [Translated by Google] The HRC president was then asked about rumors of Tsunoda's potential replacement during the summer break next month. Watanabe revealed that no such talks were held with Red Bull before confirming that Tsunoda will race for the Milton Keynes-based team until the end of the 2025 season. He said: "First of all, there has been no discussion about switching over during the summer break. In the first place, in the discussions with Red Bull in March, we agreed to transfer Yuki to Red Bull by saying, 'Just because his performance is a little poor, we will not start discussions about switching over right away, but will take a long-term view.' "So, I don't think he will be switched over during the summer break. I know there are various rumors, but I confirmed with the team at Silverstone, where the British Grand Prix was held, and I would like to make it clear that, basically, Yuki will race for Red Bull until the end of this season. "I think that is also a reflection of Red Bull's high expectations for Yuki. Those expectations have not changed, and if he can achieve results somewhere in the second half of the season, I think that will expand his possibilities for the future." [Translated by Google] Related: Red Bull to Part Ways With Yuki Tsunoda After 2025 Season: Report
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Guenther Steiner Opens up On Max Verstappen Red Bull Exit Timeline
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has revealed when Max Verstappen could part ways with the Red Bull Racing Formula One team. Steiner opened up amid reports of Verstappen's potential exit to join Mercedes in 2026. Mercedes driver George Russell admitted that his contract extension talks were on hold because of his team's ongoing discussions with Verstappen. Russell's team boss, Toto Wolff, acknowledged the interest in signing the four-time world champion, but hinted that Verstappen will likely not switch teams in 2026. Red Bull has been struggling to solve issues with its RB21 F1 car, as McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris dominate the grid for the 2025 championship. While Verstappen remains in contention for the championship, mathematically, Red Bull will have to bounce back with a significant performance boost to help the Dutch driver secure his fifth title. The recent exit of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has added a layer of uncertainty to Verstappen's future with the team, despite his contract lasting until the end of 2028. F1 enters a new era of regulations next year with new cars powered by an equal ratio of electric power and internal combustion. As a result, it is nearly impossible to predict the pecking order for 2026. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing waves on the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 06, 2025 in Northampton, England. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing waves on the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 06, 2025 in Northampton, believes it would be risky for Verstappen to shift teams after the 2025 season, given the big reset next year. Thus, he has predicted that the 27-year-old driver would likely part ways with Red Bull after assessing the team's performance next year. In an interview with Talksport, he was asked if Verstappen would leave Red Bull in the future. As quoted by RacingNews365, he said: "I would say yes, at any point, I don't think for next year. "My take is he will stay where he is next year to see how the cars next year are with the new regulations, new engines, new cars, everything is new. Nobody really knows who is where, who will be good, no idea. "So if you make a change now, you take a big risk, and at this stage, I think he maybe stays where he is for next year, and maybe end of next year, he sees how the cards stack, who has a good car, and then tries to get in the best car. "And normally, if you are the best driver, you have a chance to get in the best car, because they are the people who want you. "And he's a very wise guy, very well advised by his father and his manager. And I think he just waits it out for next year. "End of next year, he'll make a decision where he will be going for '27."
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull Unlikely to Rebound After Horner Exit, According to Schumacher
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Red Bull's competitiveness will be under the scanner when Formula One returns next weekend for the Belgian Grand Prix, given the sudden ousting of former team principal Christian Horner. Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher believes Red Bull will be unable to add significant performance to its car, especially in 2026, which could push Max Verstappen to Mercedes. Red Bull hasn't had a great start to the 2025 season. The campaign began with Verstappen struggling with his RB21 F1 car, which followed speculation about his potential switch to Mercedes. Following the British Grand Prix, Red Bull decided to part ways with Horner, adding to the team's uncertain future, especially considering that F1 enters a new era of regulations next year. Horner has been replaced by former Racing Bulls team principal, Laurent Mekies. Related: Red Bull to Part Ways With Yuki Tsunoda After 2025 Season: Report Red Bull has been developing the power units for the 2026 car for the first time, collaborating with automotive giant Ford under the Red Bull Powertrains banner. But with the team struggling to solve issues on the current car, Schumacher doubts Red Bull's 2026 car, designed by technical director Pierre Waché, will match the performance of the cars designed by former Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey, who moved to Aston Martin this year. Revealing that Horner's exit won't change the technical side of things at Red Bull for the short-term future, Schumacher said on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Gianpiero Lambiase, Head of Racing of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great... Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Gianpiero Lambiase, Head of Racing of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 05, 2025 in Northampton, England. More"The change of team principal will not change anything in the technical team for the time being. Designer Pierre Waché will continue to build the car next year. "It almost looks as if he will not be able to close this gap, replace Adrian Newey in any way and build a car capable of winning. Red Bull will therefore face a difficult time." Mercedes driver George Russell admitted recently that his contract extension discussions were on hold due to the team's ongoing talks with Verstappen. Team principal Toto Wolff also acknowledged the discussions, but stressed that Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will likely form the 2026 driver lineup. Despite the assurance, rumors surrounding Verstappen and Mercedes continue to do the rounds after Horner's exit. Schumacher added that the four-time world champion will have to consider a Mercedes switch if he intends to find performance next year. He said: "Verstappen is in a dilemma. The signs are not good for Red Bull at the moment. If Max Verstappen wants to have short-term success next year, he will have to look elsewhere. "I therefore believe that the journey is heading towards Mercedes. I could imagine that he himself is still struggling because he is naturally attached to Red Bull."
Newsweek
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Insider Claims Max Verstappen's Mercedes Move Is Almost Done
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Amid ongoing rumors about Max Verstappen's potential switch to Mercedes, Nelson Piquet Jr., the brother of Verstappen's partner Kelly Piquet, has made a bombshell revelation about Verstappen's Mercedes links. Speculation about the Dutch driver's Mercedes move began after George Russell admitted that his Mercedes contract extension was on hold due to the team's ongoing talks with Verstappen. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the link but revealed that Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will likely form the team's 2026 driver lineup. However, he didn't shy away from saying that Verstappen was definitely a priority option for the long-term future. Related: Flight Tracker Data Suggests Max Verstappen's Meeting With Mercedes Chief The likelihood of the four-time world champion's interest in Mercedes is high, given the challenges at Red Bull. The team has been struggling with the car since mid-2024, a stark contrast to 2023's dominant performance when Verstappen won 19 out of the 22 races. Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing walks in pit lane with George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo... Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing walks in pit lane with George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 17, 2025 in Imola, Italy. MoreApart from the challenges with the RB21 F1 car, Red Bull is developing its own power units for the 2026 car in collaboration with Ford under the Red Bull Powertrains banner. However, with no proven track record of making powerful and reliable engines, Red Bull has a heavy weight on its shoulders, and Verstappen's confidence in the team's technical prowess is yet to be known. Especially after the sudden exit of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who was replaced by former Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies last week. Piquet Jr. spoke on the Pelas Pista podcast after the British Grand Prix, revealing that Verstappen will be at Mercedes next year. Addressing the disappointing weekend for Mercedes at Silverstone, he said: "Who knows next year, with Max there..." Podcast host Thiago Alves couldn't believe what he had heard. Piquet Jr. then revealed further insider details. He said: "They are talking, everyone knows right? "Just missing final contract details, but everyone knows that it's an option. They are talking." Piquet Jr. then revealed that Verstappen is expected to make a decision about his Mercedes move by this August. He said: "Until August, he needs to have made a decision, they will either get the final details right or not. But I think it would be pretty cool." When Alves asked him if it was cool if he switched or if he stayed, Piquet Jr. said: "To switch." We should take this with a huge pinch of salt, but interesting to hear this from a family member. Related: Kimi Antonelli Breaks Silence after Verstappen's Strong Links to Mercedes
Newsweek
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Fernando Alonso Champions Max Verstappen's 'Fighting' Spirit Amid Red Bull Woes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Aston Martin Formula One driver Fernando Alonso has commented on Max Verstappen's fighting spirit, highlighting his urge to win, despite Red Bull's RB21 F1 car holding him back. The Spaniard admitted that Red Bull has not given Verstappen the best car to fight a championship battle. Red Bull dominated the current ground effect era that began in 2022, thanks in part to cars designed by aero guru Adrian Newey. The superior performance ensured the team won all but one Grand Prix the following year in 2023. However, Red Bull began experiencing balance problems on the RB20 F1 car after Newey announced his exit in mid-2024. McLaren Racing's resurgence around the same time meant Red Bull lost out on a constructors' championship victory, but Verstappen managed to win his fourth drivers' title. Fast forward to 2025, and one can see that car problems continue to affect the team's performance. Yuki Tsunoda, who was promoted to the seat alongside Verstappen early in the season, continues to find it challenging to adapt to the RB21. Verstappen has won only two races in the first ten Grands Prix of the season so far, a stark contrast to his seven wins from the first ten races last year. He secured P5 despite having dropped to P10 after spinning out in the previous round at Silverstone. Despite the car challenges, the Dutch driver is third in the Drivers' Standings below both McLaren drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team in parc ferme during Sprint qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at... Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team in parc ferme during Sprint qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 02, 2025 in Miami, Florida. MoreAlonso praised Verstappen for his flawless performances while addressing his 2025 campaign. Speaking to DAZN, as quoted by Planet F1, he said: "I don't think much has changed this season compared to other seasons. I think Verstappen has had his best season to date every year. "In 2021, he stole the championship away from Lewis Hamilton and then he dominated for several years in a row. He didn't have the most dominant car last year and won the championship with several races to go. "This year, he may not even have a car that's one of the best two or three, but he's still fighting along. He always performs at the top level. It's another task for Red Bull to give him a car to fight for the championship. But there is no doubt about him." Adding to Red Bull's woes is the sudden ousting of team principal Christian Horner, who served the team for 20 years. He has been replaced by former Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies. Given the problems with Red Bull's title challenger and Horner's exit last week, it remains to be seen how that will affect the team's performance for the remainder of the season, especially Verstappen, who is being linked to a potential move to Mercedes.
