2025 Formula 1 Season Paddock

It isn't the first time Max has said it is the driver's ability to adapt to the car that is the difference. Max's points of differing styles of driving to differing car platforms certainly back up what he says. There was also Max's comments in Suzuka on where he'd be in a McLaren.

I have little doubt that RB puts more effort into getting the car to Max's liking, but how much of that is design and how much of that is tweaks to balance and things that are readily adjustable? Maybe if we could see how he'd perform in the current Ferrari? Then again, if you listen to Peter Windsor and his "short corners" ideas, that Charles is the most similar to Max in the way he gets around corners.

It was interesting to hear that one thing Meckies did was raid Max's spares bin so Yuki's car could finally have the same floor as Max's.

 

In regards to Ferrari, after a dreadful Qually for Ham it seems they actually listened to him and went back to what he likes. He then went on to deliver a amazing drive though the field to finish 7th from starting last. Stumbled on this YT video explaining the desperation by Hamilton and Ferrari and the furious drive he put on. He literally had nothing to lose and look what he did. Maybe things will change and they will listen to him. This could be an indication of things to come? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztysuN7aAXs

 

Now out of Max's mouth, to make it "double official":

Max Verstappen to stay at Red Bull for 2026: 'Time to stop the rumours'
https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/45868131/max-verstappen-stay-red-bull-2026

 

George and Kimi - your seats are safe

 

Hungary podium prediction:

1 Piastri
2 Max
3 Norris

 

Disastrous Friday for King Max. I just don't see how he can win the Championship, not happening.

 

Bet he quals top 3. That guy is an SP!!

 

I hope, but P14 on Friday? Yowzers.

 

I’ve resigned myself to the fact he’s not winning this year.

 

@thebiggestbongo

Agreed, McLaren is just not showing any dents in their armour. Not really having DNFs or catastrophes, just being consistent.

 

You called it!

 

I really thought Hamilton would have done better.

 

Stoked for Charles. P8 for Max. Yikes. Not to say he can't compete but.......

I hope Charles can carry the pace tomorrow and stay up front.

 

I mean it's not hard to see, they just don't have the car right now.... I'm not sure what the flaws are, but IIRC Max said during P1 or P2 the car was undriveable. Not sure if he was talking handling or tires or what, but is there anything we can look at to be optimistic?

As a fan of Max, I do like seeing some adversity over some snoozer races where he wins.

Ok so he's saying "No grip...."
https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/45886247/max-verstappen-struggles-hungarian-gp-qualifying

 

Well how did he do last week? Or most of the season. Complete shit in practice but somehow in the top of the starting grid. I WILL HOWEVER EAT MY WORDS. HE WAS NOT SANDBAGGING!!

I thought they had Hamilton alright as of that promo video (car mods to fit him) and comeback at Spa but dang it. I think he is done.

 

I keep wondering, is it Red Bull regression AND McLaren progression, or just RB regression.

It's crazy to see but again, I'd rather it be competitive than Max dunking everyone every week.

 

Great Race!

 

Gutted for Charles, he was there early. I feared the inevitable. Anyone but Norris from here on out please.

Max has resigned himself to finishing as high up as he can and not winning the title.

Max would need a collapse from both McLarens and that's not even close to happening.

I guess he could root for a rift up front between Oscar and Lando....

 

Lots of knowledgeable folks in this thread.

Why did the Ferrari suddenly lose so much power?

LeClerc was overly pissed