Bernie Ecclestone believes Max Verstappen can overcome Red Bull's car problems to land a record-equalling fifth straight F1 title in 2025. Red Bull's RB21 machine was launched and tested in Bahrain, but appears to be off the pace compared to rivals McLaren and Ferrari, with Mercedes also seemingly having made a big step forward. Verstappen himself has discounted Red Bull from victory contention in the Australia season-opener, but former F1 supremo Ecclestone still believes Verstappen can claim the crown, if the RB21 comes good. Should Verstappen do so this season, he will become just the second driver in F1 history to win five straight world championships, equalling Michael Schumacher's run from 2000-2004. There is expectation that 2025 could be the closest season of grand prix racing with at least the top four teams in contention for regular race wins, something Ecclestone picked up on. "I'm pleased in lots of ways that (the championship) is open in the way that it is, it's good," Ecclestone told Reuters. "I still think Max will win [the title, there's no reason why he shouldn't. "If he's got the equipment, obviously there'd be no discussion about him. It would be a definite. "If the car's up to it, he'll get the job done."
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