Max Verstappen quipped that he would have labelled someone an “idiot” had they told him post-Zandvoort that he would end up in Formula 1 title contention in 2025.
Verstappen began the season as the lead contender to the dominant McLarens, landing victories in Japan and at Imola to remain in touch in the opening seven races.
However, the Dutchman’s challenge dwindled across the summer as Red Bull’s competitiveness waned, leading him to slip as high as 104 points behind Oscar Piastri.
But changes to the RB21 and altered working methodologies under Laurent Mekies have inspired a turnaround that has helped Verstappen to three wins in four races.
With McLaren’s level dropping in recent rounds and Piastri experiencing a rough streak, Verstappen has gained 64 points on the Australian since the Dutch Grand Prix.
Verstappen, who now trails 40 points behind Piastri, has admitted that he couldn’t have envisaged being in this position when McLaren dominated his home weekend.
Asked what he would’ve replied to someone who said this would occur, Verstappen joked to media including Motorsport Week: “I would have told him he was an idiot.
“But, yeah, we found a good way with the car. It’s simple as that.
“Of course, we put some upgrades on the car, but we understood our car a bit better – where we wanted it to perform better. And every weekend we try to achieve it.
“Some weekends, you know, it’s better than others, but in general, it’s been way more straightforward the last few weekends compared to before those races.
“So that’s what we need to try and extract out of it now every single weekend.”
Verstappen admits Red Bull needs to be ‘perfect’
Having triumphed at Monza and Baku last month, Verstappen also achieved maximum points in the United States as he won both the Sprint Race and the Grand Prix.
The reigning World Champion has vowed that Red Bull must continue to be flawless through the remaining five rounds to overturn his gap to the two McLaren drivers.
“I know that we need to be perfect ‘til the end to have a chance, so that’s what we need to focus on,” he asserted.
“I mean, like I said before, it’s super close, and just attention to detail will make the difference.
“Trying to get the best set-up on the car every weekend and then try not to make mistakes. So that’s what we’ll try to do.”
READ MORE – Oscar Piastri vows he remains F1 title favourite despite lean run
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