For the first time since 2021, Max Verstappen is no longer the reigning F1 Champion. The Dutchman’s comeback in the final ten rounds, although hugely impressive, came just short of beating Lando Norris to the crown.
Given that Verstappen was just two points away, there are many incidents throughout 2025 that can be deemed title-defining.
From the Dutchman’s perspective, there is little sense in deliberating over specific moments. What is clear in Verstappen’s mind, however, is that he would have wrapped up the Championship comfortably in the McLaren.
Lando Norris and Third placed Max Verstappen. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Verstappen: ‘I’m not saying it to provoke anyone… It’s just a fact’
On paper, Verstappen cannot be said to have left many points on the table this year. Only his incident with Russell in Spain, where he ran into the side of the #63 car, can be described as a missed opportunity.
Other poor results, such as his retirement in Austria after an incident with Antonelli, were outside his control. Beyond this, McLaren’s own errors played a central role in giving Verstappen a chance at the title.
A mechanical failure for Norris in The Netherlands, a strategic miscalculation in Qatar, and regular squabbles between the papaya duo kept Verstappen in the race.
Ultimately, though, Norris still did just enough to bring the title home in Abu Dhabi.
A few weeks before the Championship finale, the four-time Champion was asked how 2025 would have unfolded if he were in the McLaren.
Unsurprisingly, Verstappen said the title would have been over well before round 24. This inevitably sparked a sharp response from Norris, who rejected the Dutchman’s hypothesis.
In an interview with formule1.nl, the 28-year-old did not shy away from his previous comments:
“Haha, but that’s just a fact! That’s not meant to be irritating, not even consciously or unconsciously.
“It’s just a fact, and no one has to agree with it – but that’s how I feel about it. That’s my opinion.
“Some people won’t like hearing it, but that’s ultimately not my problem. I’m not saying it to provoke anyone, but when someone asks me something, I usually just answer. And yes, it’s a fact.”
Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
A tall order for Red Bull to return as title contenders
In the build-up to the beginning of the 2026 season, there will be plenty of discourse about this year’s title battle.
Considering this was the first time since 2021 that the title race went to the final round, polarising reactions are to be expected. At the same time, both drivers and teams are already thinking about 2026.
This is particularly relevant for Red Bull, who are in a trickier position than the other big teams. At least on paper, the Austrian squad are likely to suffer at least some deficit to the likes of Mercedes and Honda with their new engine.
Despite their aggressive recruitment of engineers from rival teams, building an engine department is a demanding and time-consuming process.
Red Bull’s acceptance of the difficulties the new regulations will bring contributed to the RB21’s season-long development.
It was decided before the summer break that their chances in 2025 – though slim – were still better than they will be at the start of 2026.
Of course, this does not mean Laurent Mekies’ team are setting lousy targets for the upcoming campaign. The intention is still to be in amongst the front-runners when the lights go out in Australia.
Nevertheless, Red Bull recognise that fighting for Championship in 2026 could be a step too far – especially as they debut their own power unit for the very first time.
The short-term aim is to be competitive enough to give Verstappen confidence they can later climb the field. If the team cannot accomplish this, it could be difficult to prevent the Dutchman from looking elsewhere for 2027.
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Main photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images (Red Bull Content Pool)