Max Verstappen will love how Helmut Marko reacted when asked about Red Bull’s 2025 F1 car

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It’s difficult to see where anyone truly lies at Formula 1’s pre-season testing but Red Bull do look to be in a positive position so far.

Max Verstappen is chasing a fifth consecutive drivers’ championship in 2025 – something which has only been achieved once in Formula 1 history.

Red Bull have work to do to re-establish themselves at the front of the pack after falling behind towards the end of last season.

The team has a new driver for the first time since 2021 as Liam Lawson arrives just 11 races into his career. The confident young Kiwi should be a stronger performer than Sergio Perez.

Verstappen had some ominous race pace on the first day of testing in Bahrain, but seemed to struggle with oversteer at times in the cockpit of the RB21.

It didn’t take them long to make a statement, with Ted Kravitz calling Verstappen’s first push lap ‘crucial’ as he hit the track for a short fuel run just laps into his pre-season.

Max Verstappen will love Helmut Marko’s ‘big grin’ when asked about Red Bull’s 2025 F1 car

Red Bull have changed a lot of the surfaces on their car over the winter, with team boss Christian Horner mentioning that a lot of work has been put in behind the scenes.

Both McLaren and Ferrari appear to have been aggressive with their current designs, but there’s an element of risk that comes with that.

A theory Red Bull might not upgrade their car after testing has circulated the paddock, which would be a very bold step with a view to the 2026 F1 regulations.

READ MORE: Red Bull will ‘absolutely hate’ one aspect of Liam Lawson’s spin during the first day of F1 pre-season testing

They already seem confident about their car it seems, with smiles within the garage and one telling sign from one of their big figures.

Motorsport.com reports that Helmut Marko had a ‘big grin’ when asked about the RB21 in Bahrain, which will please Verstappen.

Jos Verstappen wary of Red Bull issues after Adrian Newey exit

2025 will mark the first time in 20 years that Red Bull are heading into a season without design guru Adrian Newey.

He has joined Aston Martin to lead their project, which will see him have a big influence on their cars beyond 2026.

READ MORE: Nigel Mansell shares what he’s ‘heard’ from F1 contacts about Max Verstappen’s unseen 2025 car

Jos Verstappen is wary of Red Bull issues and thinks it’s important that the team proves they can deliver without Newey and ex-sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.

They were around for both eras of monumental success, and it signals a new era within the team. Who is going to step up?