Max Verstappen, Mercedes Wind Tunnel Impact, and Red Bull’s 2024 Struggles: Key F1 News to End the Year

Max Verstappen (Image via Getty)

As the 2024 Formula 1 season draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on some of the most significant news stories, as we gear up for the 2025 season.

Mercedes Wind Tunnel Issues and Aston Martin’s Struggles

2023 and 2024 were challenging years for Aston Martin, despite the team’s efforts to make a strong comeback. According to Fernando Alonso, a key factor in the team’s struggles was issues with the Mercedes wind tunnel, which Aston Martin uses to test and develop its cars. Alonso’s comments shed light on how these challenges have impacted Aston Martin’s performance and progress, making the fight for improvement more difficult.

Mercedes F1 (Image via Getty)

Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s 2024 Struggles

Red Bull Racing, once the dominant force in Formula 1, found 2024 to be a year focused on damage control, as the team faced a few struggles. Despite the issues, Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive World Championship, continuing his reign as one of the sport’s best drivers. Verstappen also played a pivotal role in the development of the RB20, helping the team navigate through the season’s challenges. As detailed by De Telegraaf, Verstappen identified key data points that indicated the issues, showcasing his crucial input in the car’s evolution.

Max Verstappen’s Nerves After Abu Dhabi 2021

Reflecting on his first World Championship win, Max Verstappen admitted that the tension and nerves from his dramatic 2021 title win in Abu Dhabi still linger. He humorously stated that the stress from that race would have been enough to “die of a heart attack,” underscoring how intense the final laps of the season were, especially with his controversial win over Lewis Hamilton.

Max Verstappen’s Livery Request for 2025

As the 2025 season approaches, Max Verstappen has voiced his desire for a change in the design of the Red Bull RB21 livery. Although the matte-blue finish has been effective, he hopes for a more exciting and different look for the team’s car, as the current color scheme has been in place for several years. Verstappen acknowledged that using matte paint saves weight, but he is eager for a fresh change in the car’s appearance.

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Categorized as Drivers

By Mike Seymour

Mike Seymour is a Formula One Writer at Formula One HQ. With extensive experience in motorsport journalism, he covers major F1 events and offers expert insights into the sport's nuances. Mike has contributed to several motorsport publications, providing in-depth race analysis and exclusive interviews with key figures. You can contact him at MattHarmon@okfantastygfootball.com.

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