Max Verstappen only needs to finish 12 points ahead of Lando Norris to secure the 2025 F1 title, sparking debate over whether Racing Bulls will step in to assist him at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Since taking over and rebranding Minardi back in 2006, Red Bull have held a unique spot in Formula 1.
They’re still the only team on the grid with a sister outfit, typically used to groom junior drivers before they’re ready for a full-time role with Red Bull’s top team.
Questions about Red Bull’s influence over Racing Bulls aren’t new. Back in 2010, a ruling was put in place stopping Red Bull from designing cars for the Faenza-based squad.
With Max Verstappen essentially going up against McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on his own, it raises questions about whether he might get any help from their sister team this time around.
Peter Bayer dismisses suggestions of Racing Bulls assisting Verstappen in Abu Dhabi
Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer was asked about the possibility during an interview with Sky Sports Germany at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Bayer quickly dismissed the idea, pointing out that his team has its own priorities, particularly with Aston Martin just 12 points behind them in the constructors’ standings.
“Not at all. Quite honestly, we have our own problems. Aston Martin is twelve points behind us,” he said, according to Sport.
When Ralf Schumacher pressed him on the issue, Bayer didn’t waver. “Absolutely not,” he replied.
Bayer also brought up Nicolas Latifi’s involvement in a previous title-deciding race and how it’s still talked about years later.
Racing Bulls prioritise sixth-place finish over potential Verstappen support
Racing Bulls’ priority is clear: hold onto sixth place in the constructors’ championship, with Aston Martin just behind them in the standings.
Bayer explained that keeping that position is their main objective. “For us, the only thing that matters is that we bring home this sixth place,” he said.
“This is enormously important from a sporting, financial, and motivational perspective. Everything else is irrelevant to us.”
The financial gap between sixth and seventh in the 2024 prize money breakdown sits at around £6m – a significant amount for any team operating under F1’s cost cap structure.
That extra funding could be key for Racing Bulls, helping them avoid finishing the season in the red. The benefits extend beyond just finances; staying ahead also boosts team morale and supports their long-term plans.
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