Max Verstappen has revealed that watching McLaren’s onboards has contributed to his doomed attitude towards his and Red Bull’s Formula 1 title prospects in 2025.
Verstappen goes into this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix – the last race prior to the summer break – lying third in the Drivers’ Championship behind the McLaren duo.
But despite Red Bull’s pace disadvantage, Verstappen had remained in range until a three-race podium drought coincided with McLaren registering three straight 1-2s.
The Dutchman’s longest streak without a rostrum appearance since 2019 – which included a non-score in Austria – now sees him trail 81 points down on Oscar Piastri.
However, Verstappen resisting the McLarens to win the Sprint Race in Belgium had triggered Red Bull advisor Helmut to insist that the side hasn’t given up on the title.
“There are still 12 races to go, and we will continue to fight for the Drivers’ Championship as long as it’s mathematically possible,” Marko told ORF.
“Our goal remains the same: we want to win the World Championship. We’ve already gained one point [on Piastri, who came second in the 15-lap race].”
Verstappen ‘realistic’ about title bid
Verstappen, though, dismissed Marko’s optimism, citing that Red Bull’s car can’t replicate what McLaren’s MCL39 can do based on the video footage he has observed.
“But Helmut isn’t in the car!” he highlighted.
“I understand that you have to be positive, but I’m always very realistic about how I feel in the car. When I watch certain onboards from other cars, I know enough…”
Verstappen admitted the upgrades Red Bull brought to Spa-Francorchamps delivered a step in the right direction, but the RB21’s inherent limitations remain the same.
“I think they work, but it still doesn’t give me the balance I want to really attack a corner,” he explained. “Those problems remain the same in terms of balance.”
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