With the 2025 Formula 1 season still a week away, the first technical dispute has already surfaced.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen, speaking a day before his flight to Melbourne, dismissed suggestions that he is the frontrunner for the upcoming campaign.
"At the moment there is only one team and that is McLaren," he told Viaplay. "For me they are clearly ahead."
The Dutch driver admitted Red Bull faced challenges over the winter, saying he "can't imagine" being in contention for victory in the season opener.
"Bumps and driving over curbs are still a problem. And the car tends to understeer too much for my liking," Verstappen added.
Red Bull team advisor Dr Helmut Marko echoed his driver's assessment.
"Our car has improved, but it still has weaknesses," he told Osterreich. "If we can fix them in Australia, things won't look so bad."
The comments follow concerns raised publicly by Red Bull technical director Pierre Wache about the front and rear wing flexibility on cars from two major competitors.
"It is still going on," he said, amid speculation Red Bull has lodged a complaint with the FIA and might even consider a formal protest. "I think Ferrari and McLaren are doing the mini-DRS stuff still."
During pre-season testing, FIA officials were observed closely examining the wings on McLaren and Ferrari cars. Italian media now report that the governing body may visit the teams' factories before Melbourne for further checks.
Stricter rear wing regulations will take effect at the Australian Grand Prix, though tougher front wing restrictions are delayed until the Barcelona race in June.
"The change is not big enough to turn the balance of power on its head," Williams team principal James Vowles commented.
He also cautioned against linking McLaren's current advantage solely to wing flexibility.
"It's a coherent package in all areas," said Vowles. "McLaren has simply understood the development direction of this type of car correctly."
