Max Verstappen Reflects on a Challenging 2025 Season

Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion and central figure in Red Bull Racing’s era of dominance, left the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos with an unexpected podium finish despite starting from the pit lane. However, the race also marked a pivotal moment for the Dutch driver as he candidly acknowledged that his title chase for 2025 had come to an end. This admission was not just a reflection of his performance but also a stark assessment of the challenges faced by Red Bull throughout the season.

The Struggles of Red Bull Racing

At 28 years old, Verstappen’s admission about relinquishing the title race before the Brazilian GP highlights the significant shifts within the team. This season, Red Bull, once the benchmark in Formula 1, has found itself in a position where it is chasing competitors like McLaren, and at times even Ferrari and Mercedes. The competitive landscape has transformed, and Verstappen’s words shed light on the underlying issues that contributed to this decline.

Verstappen pointed out the critical moments of the season that led to this predicament. "We had already lost many points in the early part of the season up until mid-year. So, the fact that we are still in this situation now is surprising, but we need to be realistic," he stated in an interview with Sky Sports F1. This statement encapsulates the heart of Red Bull’s difficulties: strategic miscalculations, issues with the car’s low-speed handling, inconsistent tire degradation with the C4 and C5 compounds, and, perhaps most frustratingly for Verstappen, a lack of aerodynamic progress that hindered the RB21 while McLaren surged ahead with continuous updates.

The technical resurgence led by Andrea Stella at McLaren since 2023 has not gone unnoticed in the paddock. McLaren not only dominated the mid-season but also discovered an optimal tire operating window that Red Bull has struggled to replicate in 2025. The differences became particularly apparent on circuits sensitive to temperature, such as Barcelona, Zandvoort, Suzuka, and Austin. In São Paulo, the disparity again came to the forefront: while McLaren’s drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, showcased aggressive driving with clean traction in sector two, Verstappen battled an unstable rear end in low-grip sections of the track.

A Candid Evaluation

Verstappen offered a frank assessment of Red Bull’s performance during the season. "I think that throughout the season, we haven’t been good enough. But we will still try everything we can until the end of the season, look for some highlights, and aim to win races. That’s what we are here for." This honesty carries a deeper message: the Red Bull team that Verstappen once knew—methodical, predictable, and dominant—has faded amid internal changes, political turbulence, and an overabundance of technical confidence that ultimately stunted their development.

Despite these challenges, the team made adjustments. The new floor introduced at the Italian GP altered the car’s behavior in long corners, improved stability during entry, and restored some of the lost confidence. Since then, Verstappen has secured three victories and four podium finishes in seven races, regaining some momentum and putting pressure back on McLaren and Ferrari. However, the late-season surge has not been enough to close the gap created in the first half of the year. Arriving in São Paulo, Verstappen was already 49 points behind Norris, a deficit that widened following Norris’s Sprint win and subsequent victory in the main race.

Starting from the pit lane due to component changes, Verstappen delivered one of his best individual performances of the year, yet he concluded the race by declaring that the title fight was over. The clarity of this statement is striking; in previous years, Verstappen would have never thrown in the towel before the season’s end. Now, he recognizes a technical reality: McLaren possesses raw speed, strategic stability, and execution consistency to manage the championship effectively. Furthermore, Verstappen acknowledges that both Piastri and Norris are driving at their peak, while Red Bull has lost the ability to offset deficiencies with individual brilliance.

The Comparison of Seasons

Verstappen’s ability to transform difficult races into unlikely victories—which he displayed in 2023 and 2024—no longer holds in 2025. The limitations of the RB21 prevent him from competing on equal terms at the most aerodynamically demanding circuits, which becomes even more pronounced against two young, hungry drivers backed by a McLaren team that has now become the standard in the grid.

Verstappen’s perspective on the season is both critical and pragmatic. He understands that McLaren has reached a technical level that is not merely circumstantial but deeply rooted in their structural changes. He also knows that Red Bull must rebuild its foundation before contemplating a comeback. The Brazilian GP served as yet another reminder of this reality: his individual talent may still land him on the podium, but it is not enough to contend for the championship.

With three races remaining and 83 points still up for grabs, the championship is not mathematically decided; however, for Verstappen, it feels finished. His focus has shifted: to conclude 2025 with dignity, seize victories where possible, and lay the groundwork for a 2026 season where Red Bull must demonstrate its continued relevance in Formula 1.

Navigating Forward

As the racing world gears up for the final races of the season, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on how Verstappen and Red Bull navigate the remaining challenges. The team’s ability to adapt and evolve will be crucial as they work towards regaining their competitive edge. With the emergence of formidable competitors like McLaren, Red Bull’s path forward must involve a blend of innovation, strategic planning, and perhaps most importantly, humility in recognizing the need for change.

In the coming months, the team will be faced with critical decisions regarding car development, driver performance, and overall team dynamics. Verstappen’s leadership will play a vital role in guiding the team through this transitional phase. His experience and insight into the intricacies of racing will be essential as Red Bull seeks to reclaim its status at the top of the sport.

Moreover, the focus on the 2026 season promises to bring its own set of challenges and opportunities. With new regulations and potential shifts in the competitive landscape, Red Bull will need to harness its expertise and resources effectively. The lessons learned from the 2025 season, both in triumphs and setbacks, will serve as a foundation for the future.

The Road Ahead

In conclusion, Max Verstappen’s reflections on the 2025 season highlight not only his personal journey as a driver but also the broader narrative of Red Bull Racing. The team’s impressive history in Formula 1 is now met with a new reality, one that requires adaptation and strategic foresight. As Verstappen continues to push through the remainder of the season, his commitment to excellence and competitive spirit remain undiminished. The journey ahead is filled with uncertainty, but with determination and the right adjustments, Red Bull Racing can work towards reclaiming its place among the elite in Formula 1.