Former F1 supremo has snubbed and in his prediction for the 2025 Drivers' Championship title. Instead, the 94-year-old believes that will emulate by winning his fifth successive crown.

Verstappen heads into the year on the back foot. Red Bull were presented with a number of challenges during pre-season testing in Bahrain, and while the RB21 looks to be an upgrade on its predecessor, Helmut Marko's demeanour made it clear that the team are at least somewhat disappointed with their progress. "[There is] work to do," he admitted ahead of the season opener. "I think McLaren is the favourite if you look at the lap times. And for us, not everything went completely smoothly. On the other hand, I think we do have some ideas on how to improve the car.

"I've also spent a lot of time in the simulator - for example, yesterday - with the team. I don't think we can compete for victory in Melbourne, but hopefully, we will be able to make improvements within a few races.

"It's never good enough, of course, but I think we expected a tiny bit more from it ourselves. After the test, you do have time to go through the data and come to certain conclusions. But as I said, I think we do need to improve some things."

Despite Verstappen's comments, Ecclestone still picked up as his favourite for the title this season. The 27-year-old is also contending with a precarious penalty points scenario. He heads into the year with a total of eight and will pick up a race ban if that tally reaches 12 before the end of June.

"I'm pleased in lots of ways that it is open in the way that it is, and it's good," Ecclestone told . "I still think Max will win. 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."

Ecclestone also had a warning for Hamilton. He theorised that Ferrari would be unwilling to compromise team-mate Charles Leclerc's chances of winning a maiden World Championship, should the Scuderia outdo McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes.

"You'd have to obviously think McLaren, and I'd like to see Ferrari win," he continued. "He's been there all the way through, so they are hardly going to dump him for Lewis. I'm not saying Lewis isn't possible, just that they will not stop looking after and hoping Leclerc's going to get the job done."