As the 2025 Formula 1 season gets underway at the Australian Grand Prix, reigning world champion Max Verstappen has acknowledged that Red Bull might not be the fastest team at the moment while Lando Norris has played down suggestions that McLaren are the team to beat. After starting 2024 in dominant fashion, Red Bull's grip weakened in the latter half of the season, with McLaren and Ferrari mounting a serious challenge. While Verstappen managed to clinch his fourth consecutive Drivers' Championship, Red Bull were beaten in the Constructors' Championship by McLaren. Heading into 2025, Verstappen is expecting an even tougher battle.