Max Verstappen arrives at the F1 US GP with renewed confidence after Red Bull’s recent resurgence, though he remains cautious about his title chances with just six rounds remaining in the 2025 season. The Dutchman, who trails championship leader Lando Norris by 22 points following the Singapore GP, insists his focus is simply on extracting the maximum from his car at every race weekend.
A more balanced machine
Speaking ahead of the F1 US GP in Austin, Verstappen revealed that Red Bull have made significant progress in addressing the balance issues that plagued them earlier in the season. When asked about how different the car feels compared to before the summer break, when Red Bull appeared to be only the third or fourth-fastest team, the three-time world champion was characteristically measured.
“The car is just a bit more balanced now. It doesn’t oversteer dramatically or understeer dramatically,” Verstappen explained. “But every weekend, you’re fine-tuning things because it’s never perfect. Luckily, lately, the car, it’s been a bit more together.”
The improvements have clearly lifted the mood within the Red Bull garage. When questioned about whether this newfound form has increased his belief in securing the championship, Verstappen offered a pragmatic response. “It’s not about believing in the championship or not—you just need to be realistic. We’ve had some good results lately, and I know when the car is capable of being quick and fighting for top places, I can be there. It’s as simple as that.”
Team effort driving success
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies recently credited much of the team’s resurgence to Verstappen’s relentless pushing behind the scenes, alongside a slightly different philosophy within the organisation. When asked if these factors had reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the team, Verstappen was quick to deflect individual praise.
“Yeah, but at the end of the day, it’s a whole team effort,” he said. “I enjoy working with everyone—it’s a good atmosphere. We’re on a good way, right? We’ve had some nice results, and I think that helps everyone. Confidence is high, and that makes it really nice to come to a race weekend. It seems like we’re understanding much more what the car can do and how it needs to be driven.”
The positive atmosphere within the team marks a stark contrast to the frustrations of mid-season, when Red Bull appeared to have lost their competitive edge entirely.
McLaren still hold medium-speed advantage
Despite Red Bull’s improved form, Verstappen acknowledged that McLaren retain certain advantages, particularly in specific corner types. Having spent many races this season battling behind the papaya cars, the Dutchman has had ample opportunity to analyse their strengths and weaknesses.
“I think, in general, they are still quite strong in the medium-speed corners. That’s definitely a strength of their car,” Verstappen observed. “The rest depends a bit on the track layout and conditions—it’s a bit difficult to say. But medium-speed corners, probably still where they’re very good.”
This assessment will be particularly relevant at the Circuit of the Americas, which features a challenging mix of corner speeds that could favour either team depending on their respective setups.
McLaren team orders question
One of the more intriguing questions posed to Verstappen concerned McLaren’s internal dynamics, specifically whether the team appear to be favouring Norris over his teammate Oscar Piastri in the championship fight—and crucially, whether such a strategy might benefit the Red Bull driver.
Verstappen’s response was characteristically forthright, if somewhat bemused. “Absolutely! Someone… I don’t know, I heard something… Does it help me? I don’t know.” He admitted, “I mean, I honestly don’t know. I don’t care also, because it has nothing to do with me—what they decide, of course, within the team—how they operate as a team.”
“I mean, they do whatever they think is right, and they’re doing a very good job at it—being this quick and what they’ve done over the last few years. For me, what’s important is that when we get to the racetrack, we just maximise our potential. And as long as we can do that, then it’s in our control.”
The tension between the McLaren drivers was evident in Singapore, where an opening-lap clash saw Norris force his way past Piastri, damaging his front wing in the process. Whilst McLaren have since secured the Constructors’ Championship, the battle for individual glory between their drivers—and Verstappen’s pursuit of both—adds another layer of intrigue to the season’s closing stages.
Focused on the controllables
Reflecting on the season as a whole, Verstappen acknowledged that Red Bull’s campaign got off to a difficult start, but he remains focused solely on what he can influence.
“Of course, if you look at the whole season, we didn’t have a great start to it,” he admitted. “But I just approach every race weekend trying to maximise everything we can, try to win races, and that’s the only thing we can do until the end.”
With six rounds remaining and a 22-point deficit to overcome, Verstappen’s pragmatic approach may prove crucial. Red Bull’s recent form suggests they have the pace to challenge for victories, but consistency will be key if the Dutchman is to mount a serious title defence.
