Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson Share First Impressions of Red Bull RB21 After Bahrain Shakedown

The anticipation surrounding Red Bull Racing’s RB21 has finally turned into action, as both Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson took the wheel for the first time at Bahrain’s Sakhir International Circuit. The two drivers combined for nearly 200km of filming day runs, getting their initial feel for the car before the intensity ramps up in pre-season testing.

This marks the first true glimpse at Red Bull’s 2025 F1 challenger, following the unveiling of its stunning livery at London’s O2 Arena just last week. With the RB21 finally hitting the track, both Verstappen and Lawson have shared their first impressions on what could be a crucial car in their title aspirations.

Technical Improvements in the RB21

The Red Bull RB21 comes with notable updates aimed at addressing limitations from the previous season. While specifics remain under wraps, insiders suggest that the team has worked on improving aerodynamics, tire management, and overall balance. Engineers have been particularly focused on achieving greater efficiency in high-speed corners and refining the car’s stability under braking.

Red Bull’s chief technical officer, Adrian Newey, shared insights into the developmental process: “We have taken all the learnings from last season and worked hard to optimize every aspect of the RB21. Our focus has been on increasing consistency, reducing tire degradation, and ensuring the car performs well across various track conditions.”

Verstappen’s Take: Getting Comfortable and Assessing Progress

Three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen was the first to take the RB21 out on the Bahrain circuit, offering his initial feedback after a day of filming runs.

“It’s good to be back on track in Bahrain for this filming day before we head into testing. It is really nice to be back driving again and to get into the RB21 for the first time,” Verstappen stated.

The Dutch driver acknowledged that while it was a limited running session, it provided valuable insights into initial comfort levels and setup tweaks ahead of pre-season testing.

“I got a few laps in, but today was more about getting comfortable in the car, seeing what fits, and we will then learn more about the car over the next few days.”

Verstappen also hinted at Red Bull’s focus areas for improvement after an incredibly dominant 2024 season.

“We know what last year’s limitations were, so it is important that we assess the pace over the next few days and see if we have improved.”

Liam Lawson’s Perspective: Preparing for a Full Season

For Red Bull’s reserve driver Liam Lawson, who will play an increasingly vital role this season, the RB21’s shakedown was an essential first step in what he hopes will be a breakthrough year.

“For me, I have never started a full season in Formula 1, so the preparations and days like this filming day are good for me,” Lawson shared.

Having previously filled in for Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, Lawson has already demonstrated his ability to adapt quickly. Now, with a more structured opportunity, he is focused on making the most of every chance he gets.

“We are also learning about a new car as well, and so far the RB21 feels good; the next few days of testing will be beneficial.”

Red Bull’s Championship Aspirations

Coming off yet another dominant season, Red Bull is aiming to maintain its stranglehold on both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. Verstappen has already solidified himself as one of the best drivers of his generation, and with another competitive car underneath him, expectations are sky-high.

However, challenges from teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren are expected. Mercedes has been developing a radical new concept to close the performance gap, while Ferrari has improved their power unit and overall race pace. McLaren, on the other hand, has shown significant promise with their latest aerodynamic package.

RB21’s Pre-Season Testing Schedule

The Red Bull team has structured its pre-season testing schedule strategically.

• Day 1 (Wednesday): Verstappen and Lawson will each share a session.

• Day 2 (Thursday): Lawson will get a full day of running.

• Day 3 (Friday): Verstappen will take charge of the RB21 for the entire day.

This staggered approach allows both drivers to get maximum track time, ensuring that Red Bull’s engineers receive comprehensive feedback before the official season opener.

Red Bull’s Expectations and Goals for 2025

The 2024 season saw Red Bull dominate the Constructors’ Championship, but they faced stronger challenges from McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari towards the latter half of the season. This year, the team has set its sights on maintaining supremacy while eliminating key weaknesses that were exposed under high-pressure scenarios.

For Verstappen, his objective remains clear:

“My target, simply, is to be fast and to be where the team needs me to be. The goal is to regain the Constructors’ this year, and if we can achieve that, then it means I am doing my part.”

Lawson echoed similar sentiments, expressing his excitement about working with one of the most talented teams in the sport.

“This isn’t a new team to me; I knew so many people here already, and I am very excited to be working with such a talented group.”

What’s Next for Red Bull?

With the RB21 officially on track, all eyes are now on pre-season testing in Bahrain, where teams will push their cars to the limit in preparation for the season opener in March.

Red Bull’s rivals will undoubtedly be analyzing every detail of their latest machine, hoping to spot any weaknesses before the real battle begins. However, if Verstappen’s dominance in recent years is any indicator, Red Bull remains the team to beat in 2025. 

With just days until pre-season testing officially kicks off, excitement is building in the Formula 1 world. The Red Bull RB21 is set to take center stage as Verstappen and Lawson put it through its paces. While initial feedback has been positive, the true test will come when they go head-to-head with their rivals on race weekends. Will Red Bull maintain their dominance, or will another team rise to challenge them? The answer will unfold in the months ahead.