Red Bull plans complete restart of setup for Qatar GP and reduces optimism for podium in F1 2025 By Janderson Luiz
4 min read
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The Red Bull Racing team announced the need to completely restart its technical project for Grande Prêmio of The event takes place at Circuito Internacional of Losail, from November 29th to December 1st, focusing on adaptations to the extreme heat of the desert.
Mekies emphasized that Max Verstappen’s victory in Las Vegas, his sixth of the season, does not guarantee a repeat in Catar. The opposite conditions, with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius during the day, demand total adjustments to the RB21 car. The team is looking to maximize points in Saturday’s sprint, the last of the year, which offers up to eight to the winner.
The race for the drivers’ title gains intensity in Catar, with Lando Norris needing a 26-point lead over Oscar Piastri and Verstappen to postpone the decision in Abu Dhabi. The Red Bull occupies third place in the Mundial of Construtores, with 391 points, behind McLaren and Ferrari.
- Main challenges in Losail: medium high-speed curves and heavy braking.
- Verstappen’s history: two victories in three editions since 2021.
- Points at stake: 58 in total, including sprint and 57-lap main race.
Desert climate challenges
The intense heat in Catar affects tire performance and engine cooling. In 2024, Verstappen started sixth in the sprint and finished eighth, but recovered with pole and victory in the main. The Red Bull tested simulations to mitigate wear, prioritizing medium and hard compounds from the Pirelli.
Adaptations include greater airflow through the floor and suspension adjustments for stability on long straights. Mekies stated that the team faces each stage in isolation, without optimistic projections.
Recent history of Red Bull on Losail
Verstappen has dominated the circuit since its debut in 2021, with victories in 2021 and 2023. The team led the initial development of the route, which entered the calendar as an alternative to the pandemic.
In 2022, grid problems limited the Dutchman to third place. Consistency in strong qualifications drives the sprint overtaking strategy.
Engineers reviewed telemetry data from Las Vegas to contrast warm conditions. Essa analysis guided the “reset”, focusing on aerodynamic balance.
The 5.4 km track favors cars with efficient traction, an area where Red Bull invested in 2025.
Strategy for the final sprint
The 19-lap sprint opens the weekend on November 29, starting at 5pm local time. Red Bull plans an aggressive setup to maximize starting points, aiming for the top 5.
Verstappen tested rear wing variations in previous sessions. Teammate Liam Lawson, promoted in March after two races, contributes feedback on stability.
The team monitors rivals, such as McLaren, disqualified in Las Vegas due to irregularities in the floor. Isso balanced the fight, with Verstappen tied on points with Piastri.
Technical adaptations of the RB21
The RB21 car receives floor updates for better flow in variable radius curves. Engenheiros prioritized drag reduction on straights, essential for speeds above 320 km/h.
Data from 2024 indicates that heat increases brake temperatures by 20 degrees, requiring resistant compounds. The Red Bull has integrated extra sensors for real-time monitoring.
Mekies highlighted the importance of getting everything right, from suspension to electronics. The team avoided overloading, maintaining a focus on fuel efficiency under new 2025 rules.
Simulator tests simulated safety car scenarios, common in Losail due to sand winds.
Tight fight for the title
Norris leads comfortably, but Catar could change the scenario if Verstappen adds 25 points. Piastri, vice-leader, seeks consistency after losing fourth place in Las Vegas.
Red Bull aims for the podium in the main event, with 57 laps requiring at least two pit stops. Estratégias vary between undercut and overcut, depending on the initial traffic.
Lawson, in his full season, has scored points in 12 of 22 races so far. Sua adaptation strengthens the team’s package for 2026.
The weekend includes free practice on November 28th, with qualifying at 6pm.
Realistic team expectations
Mekies reinforced that victories depend on perfect execution, citing the inherent difficulty of F1. Red Bull avoided post-Las Vegas euphoria by prioritizing meticulous preparation.
The team will confirm the driver pairing for 2026 shortly after the GP, involving Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar. Essa decision influences internal morale.
Verstappen expressed confidence in the setup, but warned of unpredictability in the weather. The team is looking to close the year with momentum for pre-season testing in Barcelona, from January 26th to 30th.
