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Formula 1 Australian GP

Martin Brundle gives Red Bull prediction ahead of 2025 F1 season-opener

The 2025 F1 season will begin with the Australian Grand Prix on 14-16 March.

Liam Lawson, Red Bull Racing RB21, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB21

Liam Lawson, Red Bull Racing RB21, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB21

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports presenter Martin Brundle has given his take on Red Bull's performance in pre-season testing and how this could translate to the season-opener in Australia next week. 

Pre-season testing took place in Bahrain from 26-28 February, and although it is impossible to gauge the full performance of the teams, Brundle feels that four-time F1 Champion Max Verstappen was not happy with the RB21 as he was seen shaking his head and getting "angry" with the car.

“It looked okay in Bahrain at the test,” Brundle said. “They were saying that they’ve fixed a lot of last year’s problems, but we also saw Max out on track, shaking his head once and spinning up the wheels because he was angry the car went around on him.

“I didn’t sense it was exactly glued to the race track but they were pretty tricky conditions in that pre-season test."

Despite this, the Briton still feels the reigning champion will start the season as the favourite. He also believes that Red Bull will have sorted the issues out before they touch down in Australia. He added:

"For me, Max starts the season as the favourite because he will be clear number one in that team and Red Bull should have fixed it. He’s so fast, he’s so good. He knows how to win multiple championships - so does Lewis.

“His main rivals so far don’t know how to win any F1 world championships - Charles, George, Lando, Oscar Piastri too. I think Max should start the season [as the favourite]. Whoever wins this year’s world championship will win a binding world championship.”

Red Bull Racing RB21, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Red Bull Racing RB21, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Getty Images

Although he has received the backing of Brundle, the Dutchman recently cast doubt on a potential win in Melbourne.

“I don't think we can fight for the win already in Melbourne,” the Red Bull driver said.

He also commented on the issues the team experienced in Bahrain, stating:

“In terms of balance, it does feel a bit more connected when entering the corners and also in the middle of the corners. But on the other hand, there are still problems with the kerbs and with the bumps.

“Those things are obviously not our strongest points, and I keep mentioning that. It doesn't always have to be said to the outside world, but during the meetings we obviously talk a lot about it.”

The 2025 season will get underway with a double-header. The Australian Grand Prix will take place on 14-16 March, before heading to China on 21-23 March.

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Lydia Mee
Formula 1
Martin Brundle
Red Bull Racing
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