Max Verstappen is fighting the 2025 Formula 1 battle almost on one leg after being handed a slow Red Bull car to start the campaign.
Excluding McLaren, it’s a quick machine. However, the Woking-based outfit are now the favourite for the 2025 drivers’ championship, which would end the Dutchman’s streak of five consecutive titles.
It’s on Red Bull to catch up if they want to keep the silverware. With only 25% of the Formula 1 season down, there’s plenty left to play for.
Verstappen will inevitably work miracles at some stage, but whether or not it will be enough to defeat Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri is another question.
After another tricky race in Miami, Christian Horner will be worried by Verstappen’s message, which was complete and utter silence over the radio.
The RB21 isn’t where it needs to be, and it has caused Verstappen to lose confidence in Red Bull. Heading into the 2026 F1 regulations, they need to convince their driver that they can deliver.
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Guenther Steiner says Max Verstappen is using Lando Norris’ ‘weaknesses’ against him
After a squabble at the start of the Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen forced title rival Norris off the track, causing him to lose four places.
It would be detrimental to his charge for victory, but the reigning champion may have known that he wasn’t going to back out. A weakness that he then exploited.
Guenther Steiner credits Verstappen with playing the game very well. He knows where his rivals are poor, and he tried to use it to his advantage during round six of the campaign.
“All the racetracks are different, how the start is,” he said. “There is never anything always the same. So, for me, if you are in front, you should be in front.
“You need to play your game, and Max is the best one to play the game. I think Lando said ‘I cannot do anything against him.’
“It’s also you play with other people. You use their weaknesses to your advantage. That’s what racecar drivers do.”
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Why McLaren need to make the most of their advantage over Max Verstappen
At this stage of his career, Verstappen has so much experience fighting for championships that there are few scenarios he is yet to have been through.
It means that he should be able to pick up points where others cannot, as the pressure ramps up towards the end of the campaign.
If his car is within a few tenths of the McLaren, he will be well within the fight. The last question which will remain is how much of a deficit he will face when the sport returns to Asia and the Middle East at the end of the campaign.
He’s relying on Red Bull to bring effective upgrades, starting with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix next weekend. If they don’t make their car faster, they stand no chance anyway.
Although Verstappen has ‘given his word’ about 2026, if the performance doesn’t meet expectations, then he may still be able to force an exit at the end of the year.
