Max Verstappen has admitted a battle with McLaren in Formula 1‘s Canadian Grand Prix is “not even in my head” as his attention is on beating Mercedes to a podium.
Verstappen capitalised on changeable conditions to beat Lando Norris to the win in Montreal last term, having missed out on pole in a dead heat with George Russell.
However, McLaren’s competitiveness has scaled new heights in the 12 months that have passed since, as the reigning champions have won all but two races in 2025.
Verstappen imposed both those losses on McLaren, though his victories came on tracks in Suzuka and Imola that place an added emphasis on high-speed cornering.
That won’t be the case this weekend at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a venue that rewards a package that is stable under braking and can absorb the bumps and kerbs.
But while championship leader Oscar Piastri hasn’t discounted the threat that Red Bull could pose, the Dutchman has ruled out providing a challenge to the McLarens.
“It’s a bit different this time around,” Verstappen, who is unbeaten in Canada since the current regulations were introduced in 2022, told media including Motorsport Week.
“But I think if we can fight for a podium with Ferrari, Mercedes. That already would be a good achievement.
“[The McLarens] go faster. It’s not even in my head. I’m more focusing on the other teams.
“I know that last year, for example, Mercedes was very strong here. I think if you compare last year to now, maybe they’re more competitive as well.
“So, it will be hard enough to already fight for a podium.”
Red Bull heading in ‘the right direction’ with RB21
Verstappen has insisted that Red Bull getting on terms with McLaren will be dependent on addressing the core limitations that have remained embedded in the RB21.
“I do think already compared to last year we did make our car more driveable. We don’t have these big issues in terms of balance,” he detailed.
“Of course, we know some of our weaknesses; the low speed, kerbs, bumpy surfaces are not ideal for us.
“We’re headed in the right direction compared to last year. Now we just need to find a bit more overall performance.”
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