Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen has revealed that Red Bull’s improved competitiveness hasn’t altered his mindset when it comes to the Formula 1 title.
For the first time since 2021, Verstappen enters the final leg of the season chasing the Drivers’ Championship.
After three dominant years in the sport, the Red Bull driver will find himself as the hunter, and not the hunted.
However, Verstappen admits that this alternative position has not changed his mindset on race weekends.
When asked about how he feels about being the one chasing after the title, the Dutchman responded in his typical composed manner.
“I don’t really think about it too much – simple as that,” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week.
“I come to the race weekend, try to do everything I can in the car. It doesn’t matter if I’m behind or in front.
“Naturally, of course, it’s nicer to be in front because it means you’re leading the championship.
“But I see every race weekend as an opportunity to try and win. If we don’t, we don’t. Life goes on – it’s not dramatic.”
Verstappen’s relaxed demeanour stems from having been in this position before, an experience which gives him an added edge over the McLaren duo.
“It doesn’t put any pressure,” he added. “I guess it helps that I’ve already won.
“As a team, we’re still trying to understand the car a bit more, learn more for next year as well. It’s not like you completely start over next year.”
Verstappen rates his title chances
With only six races remaining in the season, and McLaren’s intense intra-team battle, the title is still anyone’s to claim.
Despite sitting 63 points behind, Verstappen remains pragmatic in his approach to the title. When asked to put a number on his chances, he remained level-headed.
“Fifty-fifty, you either win it or you don’t,” he responded.
This race-by-race mentality has been crucial for Verstappen, along with changes to Red Bull’s RB21 that have given him improved balance and predictability in the car.
“The car is just a bit more balanced now. It doesn’t oversteer dramatically or understeer dramatically,” he explained.
“Every weekend, you’re fine-tuning things because it’s never perfect. Luckily, lately, the car’s been a bit more together.”
Despite these gains, Verstappen has remained cautiously optimistic when calling himself a title contender in 2025.
“It’s not about believing in the championship or not — you just need to be realistic,” he emphasised.
“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.”
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