Follow us on Google Discover Red Bull are back in the hunt for a fifth consecutive world championship in 2025 and have an outside chance with four races to go.
Since the summer break, Max Verstappen has been in inspired form, single-handedly applying pressure on the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. A drivers’ championship that once felt like a foregone conclusion is well and truly alive again.
Behind the scenes, Red Bull’s improvements under new team boss Laurent Mekies are a big reason why they have been able to take a step forward. Heading into the 2026 F1 regulations, they’re building some strong and much-needed momentum.
Verstappen believes ‘bad luck’ can stop him from winning the title, but other than things happening outside of his control, he knows he has the pace to take the crown. Verstappen will ‘intimidate’ McLaren at the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix, and needs to make sure he gains more points on them again.
READ MORE: Ralf Schumacher tells Max Verstappen ‘crucial factor’ in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri title fight
Photo by Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty ImagesRed Bull engineer shares how the garage is motivated for Max Verstappen’s F1 title charge
Verstappen may be the ‘best ever’, and completing this year’s comeback would set his 2025 turnaround aside as the greatest in history. It wasn’t long ago that everyone was saying he had no hope for the rest of the season, as well as for 2026.
Now, Piastri seems intimidated by Verstappen and the threat he poses, despite being 35 points behind him in the title fight. It has been 11 months since he last held the lead of the championship in Abu Dhabi last year.
But his team are right behind him, and in a recent video on Red Bull’s YouTube channel, engineer Thomas Hart shared how the team now has a renewed sense of optimism, and that their ‘motivation’ is high ahead of the conclusion to 2025.
“I think there’s renewed belief on the engineering side, and probably there is a bit of confidence in the garage,” he said. “It has given us a purpose.
“I don’t think the efforts or the performance levels ever dropped, but perhaps being that little bit closer to the front and with an eye on both an improved standing in the constructors’, but also the drivers’, clearly there’s a better energy in the garage. The motivation is there, and the results are really reflecting that.”
Max Verstappen looks forward to ‘special’ Brazilian Grand Prix return
The upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix is another opportunity for Verstappen to gain ground in the championship race. Over the last six races he has entered in Sao Paulo, he has finished in the top two on five occasions. His record is incredible.
Speaking in a Red Bull press release ahead of the event, he shared how the place carries a ‘special’ meaning for him.
“Brazil is a special place for me, not only because of the incredible races and the great moments that we have had there but also because my family-in-laws are also from Brazil,” he said.
“It can rain heavily there so you can have quite crazy races, especially last year’s race where we won after qualifying 17th, which was an emotional win and an important moment in the Championship.
“I will be wearing my special Brazil helmet for this race. It is a place that has a lot of history and a great legacy, but also holds so many great memories for me. I went for traditional colours on the helmet that really stand out, I think the design looks really cool, and I’m excited to wear it on track,” Verstappen continued.
“The fans are super passionate, and I always love racing at such an old school track. Seeing that atmosphere and being part of it is incredible.”