Speaking ahead of the 2025 F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, Max Verstappen unequivocally dismissed recent suggestions that he lost interest during the season. They particularly linked his participation in other events like the Nordschleife to a supposed lack of focus.
The speculation was ignited by comments from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. He had theorized that Verstappen “lost interest” halfway through the season while the team was less competitive. When asked directly about this theory, Verstappen was immediate and firm in his denial.
“No, I don’t,” he stated plainly, before offering a detailed explanation of his professional mindset.
Verstappen began by acknowledging the fundamental truth of elite competition: winning is always the preference. “Of course, it’s more enjoyable coming to the race weekends like this than knowing that you don’t have a chance to win,” he conceded.
However, he was quick to draw a line between enjoyment and effort. He stressed that his work ethic was not conditional on his chances at victory. “But I know for myself that when I sit in the car, I will always try to maximise everything that I have. And I give it everything,” he affirmed.
This mentality remains absolute regardless of his position on the track, he detailed. The driver painted a clear picture of a competitor driven by an internal standard, not just the final result. “So even if I’m fighting for P4 or even a P9, I will always try to get the best out of it,” he asserted.
Nordschleife appearance theory
Regarding the idea that his Nordschleife appearance was a concession to boost his lost interest, Verstappen dismantled the theory. He clarified that these extracurricular activities were not an impulsive decision or a reaction to his F1 season.
“This has been planned already for a long time,” he emphasized. “It’s not that this has suddenly come on the radar… these things have to be planned well in advance. And the preparation for it as well.”
He contextualized these races as a long-standing passion, not a new distraction. “I’ve been doing this also offline a lot,” he noted. “Even racing during the fun weekends online.”
In his closing remarks, Verstappen left no room for interpretation. He directly refuted the narrative that his focus had shifted. “So there’s nothing really that has changed,” he concluded. “In terms of how professional I approach my race weekends.”
