Max Verstappen has revealed that he is happier with Red Bull’s position now than he was 12 months ago, despite relinquishing his hold on the Formula 1 title in 2025.
Verstappen concluded the campaign on top in Abu Dhabi, but he came up two points short in the championship race as Lando Norris stole the crown with third place.
The narrow loss did little to perturb Verstappen, though, having considered his chances over when he departed his home Grand Prix in August over 100 points behind.
However, Verstappen capitalised on Red Bull’s miraculous turnaround to end the season with 10 successive podiums, including six victories, to split the McLaren duo.
Red Bull’s late-season surge marked a complete contrast to 2024, when development trouble saw Verstappen stumble over the line with two wins in the last 14 races.
So while his resurgence wasn’t enough to complete a sensational comeback, the Dutchman goes into 2026 more upbeat about Red Bull’s prospects than he did 2025.
“I mean, at the end of the day, of course, it’s always nicer to win it,” Verstappen said in response to a question from Motorsport Week.
“But, honestly, I’m sitting here now with probably a better feeling than what I had last year at this time because the second half of last year was pretty tricky at times as well.
“So, we have been struggling for, I would say, a year – the second half of last year and the first half of this year. But I actually feel a lot better now.
“Of course, shame to miss out on the title, but at the same time, for a long period of time I was not even thinking about the title.
“I never felt like I was in it until a few rounds ago. That’s pretty crazy.
“But, yeah, you take your pride in different ways. I’m happy with myself and going into next year I’m not in a state of having to worry about my skills or whatever. So, yeah, I feel good.”
Verstappen hails Red Bull mentality during 2025
Verstappen, who is yet to decide which race number he will run next season, believes that his unexpected championship bid showcased the value of “never giving up”.
“Massive rollercoaster for us. Of course, the first half had some nice moments, but mainly tough moments – some really tough races and feelings,” he reviewed.
“But I’m also very proud of how we never gave up. And, again, that’s also a lesson for the future, for everyone, that even when it looks like you’re out of it, you never give up.
“You keep working hard to try and understand your issues, and then you never know what can happen.”
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