Red Bull’s Road to Redemption: Can Upgrades and Tsunoda Help Max Verstappen Stay in the Fight?
Verstappen’s Penalty Sparks Controversy
Max Verstappen’s five-second penalty during the last Grand Prix has stirred major controversy within the Formula 1 community. Red Bull, including Verstappen himself, believes the decision was harsh and unwarranted. The Dutch driver skipped the post-race FIA press conference—reportedly to avoid saying something that could trigger further penalties.
That caution is well-founded. Verstappen now has eight penalty points on his super license. If he accumulates just four more, he could face a race ban—a potentially disastrous blow to his championship campaign.
RB21: Fast in Moments, Flawed in Others
Despite finishing second in the most recent race, Verstappen’s performance marked a step forward from the disappointing P6 result in Bahrain. However, Red Bull is now operating with a car that is no longer considered the benchmark on the grid.
The RB21 has been inconsistent, particularly in terms of setup and rear-end stability. The team continues to struggle with the car’s unpredictability—earning it the nickname “diva” from some insiders. The car’s performance swings wildly depending on track characteristics and conditions.
While Verstappen continues to drive at an exceptional level and cover up many of the RB21’s weaknesses, the true measure of the car may actually come from Yuki Tsunoda. Though still trailing Max significantly, Tsunoda’s progress is closely watched as it may provide a more accurate reflection of the car’s potential and limitations.
Imola and the Upgrade Battle
Red Bull is set to bring another round of incremental updates to Miami. According to Dr. Helmut Marko, these minor improvements are part of a broader upgrade strategy aimed at keeping Red Bull in the title race.
Looking ahead to Imola, Red Bull plans a more substantial upgrade package. Marko remains confident the new developments will allow the team to mount a serious challenge at the front.
“Compared to Bahrain, we made big progress,” Marko told Shiga Sports among other journalists. “But this circuit suited us better—faster corners and so on. We’re getting a car that’s more predictable. We’ll have small steps forward, and by Imola, we should have the speed to beat McLaren.”
It’s a bold prediction, particularly given that all major teams are expected to bring significant upgrades to Imola. But the comments are not just for public morale—they also send a message to Verstappen.
Max Verstappen’s Future on the Line?
These upgrades may determine more than just this season’s standings. Verstappen’s contract runs through 2028, but recent rumors suggest his long-term commitment is not set in stone. If Red Bull proves it can still build a title-contending car, there’s little reason for him to leave. But if performance stagnates, and the team appears to shift focus too early to the 2026 regulation changes, Verstappen and his camp may start evaluating other opportunities.
Switching teams is always a risk—something both Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton can attest to. And with the looming overhaul of F1 regulations in 2026, no team can guarantee an early advantage under the new rules.
Miami Grand Prix: Red Bull’s Next Test
The upcoming Miami Grand Prix will pose a new challenge. Sector 1’s high-speed, flowing layout should play to Red Bull’s strengths. However, Sectors 2 and 3 feature slower, more technical corners where McLaren and Ferrari are expected to be strong.
Another key factor is the weather. Miami’s typically high track temperatures have proven problematic for Red Bull this season, particularly in terms of tire degradation. Fortunately for the team, this race will be held later in the afternoon, which may result in cooler, more manageable conditions.
Ultimately, the race will come down to setup, tire management, and whether Verstappen can once again deliver a standout performance in a car that still isn’t fully comfortable in all scenarios. Tsunoda’s qualifying performance could also be crucial—if he’s able to stay close to Verstappen, he may finally offer strategic support against rival teams.
Closing the Gap: The Next Few Weeks Are Critical
Red Bull still has a realistic shot at the title—but only if the next several races unfold perfectly. The Miami Grand Prix, the critical upgrades set for Imola, and Yuki Tsunoda’s progression will all be decisive factors in the team’s campaign.
This is shaping up to be the most competitive title fight since 2021—a season that ended in Red Bull’s favor. Whether they can replicate that success may depend on a combination of smart development, strategic execution, and whether their second driver can step up at the right moment.
