Verstappen states there is 'no chance' of securing a fifth title in '25.

      "Currently, we have not identified the reason for it."

      Max Verstappen has downplayed his prospects of securing a fifth consecutive world championship in 2025. When asked about his experience behind the wheel of the RB21 in Bahrain, the Dutch driver told Viaplay: "I can’t express that on TV. I couldn’t brake, I couldn’t steer, I lacked traction, and my balance was off." When questioned about the last time he felt so unwell in a Formula 1 car, Verstappen jokingly replied: "Let me think - I believe it was just a few days ago."

      However, team advisor Dr. Helmut Marko stated that telemetry data indicated a clear issue with Verstappen’s brakes, distinct from those on Yuki Tsunoda’s vehicle. One hypothesis suggests that the difficulty may stem from Red Bull's transition from Hitco to Brembo brake materials over the winter. "Currently, we have no explanation for it," Marko said. "First, we need to determine the cause of the significant brake issue, then consult with the FIA to see if we can adjust, grind, or replace the brake pads."

      Verstappen acknowledged that this issue was particularly acute during qualifying: "Every time I push that pedal, it feels like I'm hitting a wall. But I’ve been dealing with this all weekend - or in fact, all year." Another theory is that, during the final year of the current regulations, the F1 cars have become increasingly complex and fast, leading to greater instability. "No one seems to know what’s happening anymore," Marko explained. "(Lando) Norris has been consistently toward the front, and suddenly he’s sixth. (Pierre) Gasly has been absent for three races, yet he’s fourth here. And we are confronted with this brake dilemma."

      Nonetheless, Verstappen disagrees with Marko's assertion that the specific issue might solely be related to the brakes. "We have attempted everything on the car, and nothing is effective, so that’s not the issue," he stated. "If I had the chance to redo qualifying, I wouldn’t know what we should change. We’ve tried everything already." Thus, despite winning from pole at Suzuka and narrowing the gap to McLaren’s Norris to a single point, Verstappen claims he doesn’t view himself as a genuine championship contender. "They (McLaren) are not my rivals right now," he said. "I’m just participating in this championship. Looking at the overall season, I don’t believe we really have a chance."