The RB21 marked a turbulent final chapter for Red Bull Racing's Honda-powered era
In short: The 2025 Formula One season saw Red Bull Racing navigate a difficult transition. As the final car designed without Adrian Newey and the last to feature Honda power, the RB21 struggled with balance and reliability, ultimately ending Max Verstappen's championship reign despite a late-season surge of victories.
The RB21 represented a significant shift in Red Bull Racing's technical leadership. It was the first challenger since the 2006 RB2 not designed by Adrian Newey, placing the responsibility on Technical Director Pierre Waché. Waché oversaw the entire process from initial design to production, a first for his tenure. The car served as the final iteration powered by Honda RBPTH003 engines, as the team prepares to switch to Red Bull Powertrains Ford engines for the 2026 season.
The season was defined by inconsistency. Pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit yielded only 304 laps, the lowest of any team, with drivers citing teething issues. The car frequently struggled with ride imbalance and tyre degradation, most notably during the British Grand Prix, where a low-downforce setup failed to cope with changing weather. Mid-season upgrades were introduced at Imola and Monza, but the team faced significant setbacks, including a heavy crash at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix that forced Yuki Tsunoda to run a spare chassis without upgrades for several races.
Despite these hurdles, Max Verstappen remained a formidable force. He secured eight wins, fifteen podiums, and eight pole positions throughout the year. After being knocked out of Constructors' Championship contention following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Verstappen mounted a late challenge for the Drivers' Championship with consecutive wins in the United States, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. However, he ultimately lost the title to Lando Norris by two points. The season concluded with post-season testing at the Yas Marina Circuit, where the team began evaluating 2026 regulation changes using a mule car.
The RB21's legacy is also tied to its aesthetic and historical milestones. The team celebrated their 400th Grand Prix at the Emilia Romagna event with special livery numbers. Additionally, a unique white livery was unveiled at the Japanese Grand Prix to honor the team's partnership with Honda. While the car failed to secure a championship, it remains a pivotal machine in Red Bull's history, bridging the gap between the Newey era and the team's future under new power unit regulations.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Red Bull Racing RB21
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