Verstappen Still Hitting the Limits of the Red Bull at Qatar GP Qualifying

Despite improved lap times compared to the sprint qualifying, Verstappen was vocal about the persistent handling problems that prevented him from extracting the car’s full potential.

Persistent Handling Issues

From the start of the weekend, Verstappen struggled with what drivers call « bouncing » or porpoising — a rapid vertical oscillation that unsettles the car’s aerodynamic balance. This bouncing issue, combined with difficult transitions from understeer to oversteer in high-speed corners, made the RB21 unpredictable and difficult to manage on the demanding Lusail International Circuit.

The Red Bull team attempted several setup changes between sessions, but the fundamental issues remained unresolved, leaving Verstappen frustrated and unable to push harder for pole position.

Third Place: Damage Limitation

The significance of starting third should not be underestimated on a track like Qatar, where overtaking is notoriously difficult. Still, Verstappen tempered expectations, admitting that P3 on the grid was more about damage limitation than a genuine race-winning position. His closest rivals, including McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, demonstrated faster and more stable performances in their cars, underscoring the RB21’s current limitations.

Title Ambitions at Risk

The car’s handling issues also pose a significant challenge for Verstappen’s title ambitions. With only a handful of races remaining and a points deficit to the championship leader, consistent high finishes and race wins are essential. Yet, if the bouncing and balance problems persist, even strong qualifying results may not translate into race wins, potentially putting Verstappen’s championship hopes in jeopardy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2025 Qatar GP qualifying session highlighted the ongoing difficulties Verstappen faces with the Red Bull RB21. While starting P3 marks progress, the car’s persistent instability limits its competitiveness. For Verstappen to remain a serious contender for the 2025 Formula 1 title, Red Bull must urgently address these handling problems before the final rounds of the season.