Would Max Verstappen Challenge for the F1 Title in a Racing Bulls Car?

The hypothetical of Max Verstappen challenging for the F1 title in a Racing Bulls car is a hot topic for 2025, with experts offering sharply contrasting views.

Why it matters

Sky pundit Ralf Schumacher boldly suggests Verstappen could "theoretically fight for the championship" with the VCARB 02. He touts its "broader scope" and versatility, believing Verstappen's input could significantly shape the junior team's development path.

The numbers, the rules

The article notes Liam Lawson scored 20 points for Racing Bulls, versus Yuki Tsunoda's nine for Red Bull Racing, as potential evidence of the VCARB 02's strong foundation. However, a direct test for Verstappen in the VCARB 02 is impossible due to strict scrutiny over the independence of Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, both owned by Red Bull GmbH.

Expert perspectives

• David Coulthard believes Red Bull has ample data. He asserts Verstappen would instantly excel in any car: "It would only take Max two laps to get the maximum out of any of those cars... Blindingly fast."
• Conversely, Helmut Marko rejects the idea due to fundamental design differences. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies agrees, emphasizing that F1 cars are developed too independently for direct learning transfer.

Understanding the cars

The Racing Bulls car is often seen as more "forgiving" than the Red Bull RB21. While the RB21 has higher peak potential, it operates in a narrower performance window, which only Verstappen consistently masters.

• Alan Permane, Racing Bulls' technical director, clarifies the VCARB 02 is "an easy car for the engineers to get in the optimum window aerodynamically," aiding performance. He adds that a "top-line driver would also find comfortable to drive and would also be able to extract the performance from."

An enduring fantasy

Ultimately, the intriguing "what if" remains a fantasy. Regulatory implications concerning team independence make such a test impractical. This contrasts with history, like Michael Schumacher testing a Sauber in 1997, when team independence wasn't a central issue.