The Dutch anthem is absent from the Formula 1 podium for a long period in this season. What does "Super" Max Verstappen think about the same?
Four world championships, more than 50 wins and an array of Formula 1 records. Max Verstappen’s era in Formula 1 was one for the history books. When the Dutch youngster made his debut in 2018 at Red Bull Racing, he was already a dangerous foe for many experienced drivers. In 2021, Max Verstappen started his legacy of winning Formula 1 and creating a name for himself as a perfectionist driver born to create and break records.
As a Formula 1 champion, Max Verstappen was more than a name, he was a the face of Formula 1 racing for the past four years. Although, in 2025, Max finds himself in a strange situation. He is no longer racing for victories. He is no longer topping the timesheets and standings. Instead, he is a witness to the championship battle. The last time Verstappen was this helpless, was during the era of Mercedes domination with Lewis Hamilton leading the way. He may have two wins to his name in the 2025 season, but he is no longer competing to win the season.
Max Verstappen is not the type of driver to fail or break under pressure. He has proven his grit in the previous seasons. The Dutch Lion does not fall back during intense competition. Even in the 2025 season, a lack of a good car does not stop Verstappen from terrorising the grid on good weekends.
It’s not that the Red Bull is insanely slow. It is meek compared to its competitors. But when Max Verstappen takes the wheel, even the Red Bull starts looking like fierce competition to other drivers. During an interview with Formula 1, Max Verstappen gave his honest opinion on the matters regarding the current season-
“You also just have to accept where you’re at. Yeah, we are not the quickest at the moment, but we’re also not the slowest.
“We always want to be better, and actually that was the same when we were winning. Now we’re not winning that much.
“We just try to focus on understanding the car a bit better, where we can find our time, because of course next year there’s new regulations, but I think there’s still a lot to learn also this year.”
Earlier on, Verstappen confirmed his stay at Red Bull Racing for the upcoming season. There were multiple rumors about him defecting to Mercedes in search of better performance. But, Verstappen proved that he is not going to betray his “second family” so easily.
The 2026 season is going to be one everyone will look forward to. Red Bull Racing is undergoing a major overhaul in every aspect. The team has a lot to prove in the upcoming season with new Formula 1 regulations.
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