Max Verstappen is proving that the 2025 F1 championship race is far from over, and Red Bull is making a strong comeback to challenge McLaren on all fronts. After back-to-back victories at Monza and Baku, the Austrian team has shown unprecedented consistency since the start of the season. This has sparked a wave of hope among Red Bull fans that Max Verstappen can still turn the tables, despite being 69 points behind Oscar Piastri.
The personnel change at Red Bull, with Laurent Mekies replacing Christian Horner as team principal, is seen as a crucial turning point. Mekies quickly focused on driver feedback rather than relying solely on simulator data, optimizing the performance of the RB21 on tracks with low downforce characteristics. As a result, Max is not only satisfied with the car but also more confident in executing his championship-winning strategies. Yuki Tsunoda has also played a key role, excelling as the second driver and supporting Verstappen in accumulating crucial points.
Even so, Verstappen remains cautious. He emphasizes that everything must “go perfectly” and that McLaren also needs a bit of misfortune for his championship hopes to become a reality. However, Red Bull’s optimism shows they are planning strategically: from tire choices to car adjustments and taking calculated risks in the remaining races. Their goal is to seize every opportunity, especially at tracks like Singapore, where Max has never won but is ready to “push to the limit” for his first victory at Marina Bay.
On the other hand, McLaren cannot afford to be complacent. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris still hold the advantage in the standings, but the pressure from Verstappen and Red Bull is mounting. Every upcoming race could turn into a “nightmare” if McLaren loses their edge, particularly as Red Bull continues to upgrade their car and refine race strategies. Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, also acknowledges that Red Bull is a serious contender and that Verstappen’s pursuit will have a significant impact on the team’s mindset.
F1 fans are anticipating an unprecedentedly thrilling season, with the possibility of Max Verstappen turning the championship race around becoming very real. With seven races and three sprint events remaining, Red Bull is in a strong position to fight, while McLaren must maintain peak performance to defend their lead. If all the favorable factors align, Max could deliver a spectacular comeback, making the 2025 F1 championship race intensely exciting and unpredictable.
