2025 Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team

[Vettel165]

Now we need some magic from Leclerc to be in the mix for Abu Dhabi. But most probably being 10 or 12 points behind Lando with Max wouldnt make the difference. Why? Because Max and Lando, Piastri are usually always ahead by quite some margin from everyone else. Its nearly a given Lando would finish at least P2,P3. Even if Piastri was second, he would just let Norris go. For Max we need a big mistake by Norris to fall behind from P3 or a Russel, Kimi between him and Norris, maybe Charles. In other scenario maybe they dont find a good setup, but this Mclaren is very easy to setup, comparing to a diva like Red Bull.

But Max, Piastri are still the outsiders, they can risk it more. The pressure is on Lando now to deliver. Its still 10% for Max, 5% for Piastri and 85% chance for Lando to take the title…

Also if Mclaren doesnt win it would be the biggest blunder of the century, if Max wins it would have been the best title of the century (beside Kimi 2007).

[chrisc90]

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So, going into Abu Dhabi, I'm not sure how much Oscar would be willing to play the team game, considering the things that have happened to him this season.
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Could you imagine 12 months time the 2
McLaren drivers being in the same position, but Oscar is the one slightly ahead. Could you see Norris potentially moving out the way to give Oscar the WDC

[f1isgood]

This year has been surreal. Regardless of the outcome, you couldn't have made me believe this going into Abu Dhabi. We were always going to start on the backfoot given what happened last year with the car. The technical team had to dig deep, figure out issues, and finally within the constraints come up with an upgrade that made the car work everywhere. On average still behind McLaren but it is a big step forward. While uncomparable to McLaren's Miami upgrade, it is still one of the best upgrades of these regulations. I think everyone at Red Bull will be very proud

[Sergej]

lol

[AR3-GP]

Less "tyre stress" 5 -> 3
Slightly less "downforce" 4 -> 3
Slightly more "asphalt grip" 3 -> 4 (Piastri)
Less "lateral" 5 -> 3
More traction zones 3 -> 4 (Mercedes)

I think it will be closer than Qatar, but the question is who can beat Mclaren. It's not enough if Max wins. It's also a 1 stop race which suits Mclaren. Piastri should be quick there with the high asphalt grip, but he will give his position up at the end.

[Henk_v]

...and a sector 3 built for strategy games of backing up cars ánd 2 DRS zones long enough for counterstrikes ánd a few more corners that have historically seen ballsy moves.

It could be a perfect storm. Merc is still fighting for P2 and Antonelly is great at wiping cars off track....

Not rooting for disengenous driving, just hoping for some action. I remember '21 not for the SC, but for the games played before that gave Max the opportunity to pit.

[basti313]

...and a sector 3 built for strategy games of backing up cars ánd 2 DRS zones long enough for counterstrikes ánd a few more corners that have historically seen ballsy moves.

It could be a perfect storm. Merc is still fighting for P2 and Antonelly is great at wiping cars off track....

Not rooting for disengenous driving, just hoping for some action. I remember '21 not for the SC, but for the games played before that gave Max the opportunity to pit.

Cmon...who should play? Everything but a McL 1-2 after Q would be a surprise. I bet Max can snitch P2 in the first lap, but then the lead McL will just disappear.
Also at the stops nothing will happen. Even if McL pits into traffic, no one will defend.

[venkyhere]

lol

This is an insane stat, it's like the world's best MMA fighter going into a cagefight with an old & sick Gorilla. It's still a mismatch.

[f1isgood]

Russell or Antonelli in the mix wouldn't hurt but won't happen. Leclerc, in these regulations, around this track has been quite good. Would be nice if he is a factor. But I don't see it happening. Too many points thrown away by Red Bull and Max as well. They needed to be perfect regardless of what the McLaren's did and regardless of the car performance the operations team was a step below. Them being better than McLaren is not a bar to cross though because McLaren are a shambles. They will likely win and Car #4 is the most likely one to crowned world champion barring strange events.

[basti313]

Russell or Antonelli in the mix wouldn't hurt but won't happen. Leclerc, in these regulations,...

Since 2020 Abu was nothing but a glory run for the WCC car. Only spiced up in 2021. How can one expect Merc and Fer in the game?

[AR3-GP]

Maybe Carlos Sainz can get on the podium again. He has been the only other clutch driver in this part of the season.

[f1isgood]

Russell or Antonelli in the mix wouldn't hurt but won't happen. Leclerc, in these regulations,...

Since 2020 Abu was nothing but a glory run for the WCC car. Only spiced up in 2021. How can one expect Merc and Fer in the game?

I am not expecting the others to win here. Just be there somewhere to make it harder for McLaren if possible.

In the end the optimal way it goes as far as RBR is concerned is as many cars between VER and NOR and PIA somewhere in between or better behind NOR... If NOR gets pole it's over . Only in the eventuality that something happens and he falls behind cars would it be more beneficial for RBR to have cars in between.

But that assessment is spot on. Let's not forget even 2021 was a glory run for the WCC car before Perez holding up meant Merc lost a free pitstop under a Safety Car (that's how dominant the Merc were that day)....

[Henk_v]

I know what it should be on paper. But last two races went off script big time.

Full hopium. Guilty.
Discussion not worthy of a technical forum. Guilty.

But the facts are
-There is a tight battle in the WCC standings and thatb is big money
-Antonelli is growing teeth and is fast
-We have consistently seen midfield cars qualifying 3rd row
-Piastri is very, very angry
-Norris was 2 octaves up in post race interview. The pressure is just dripping from MCl.

All cars are running at the mileage design limit. Even spare parts may be limited.

It will be processional. Until it isn't.

[Wouter]

[cplchanb]

wont be surprised if hadjar struggles like yuki next year. RB is famous for their infanticide and not letting them develop over multiple seasons.