Max Verstappen has delivered an unflattering assessment of his 2025 season, openly stating that he no longer considers himself a contender for this year’s drivers’ title.
Despite being only 25 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri after eight rounds, Verstappen’s tone has shifted from optimism to realism as Red Bull’s patchy form has left him frustrated and uncertain about their competitiveness.
“For me, it doesn’t really feel like a fight, to be honest,” Verstappen told reporters in Barcelona. “I just try to do my best, have a bit of fun out there. It’s not like this season up until this point is going to be in my memory forever”.
The Dutchman’s remarks come as McLaren, led by Piastri and Lando Norris, have consistently fielded the fastest car at most races, with Verstappen being the only non-McLaren driver to secure a victory, so far.
Verstappen’s honesty reflects the challenges Red Bull has faced. “I am more excited if I know that we’re going to be super quick. That’s the most exciting. I always try to do my best but this year, so far, we’ve had some real positives but also some real negatives where some races where we’re really off the pace which isn’t enjoyable,” he said.
The four-time world champion also added that the season is not one he expects to remember fondly, pointing out the inconsistency of the RB21 and its struggles, particularly on tracks like Monaco, where he finished fourth after a weekend plagued by handling issues.
When asked if he still believes he can win the championship, Verstappen replied, “It’s not that I don’t believe. I just rock up to the track and I do the best that I can every single weekend. I don’t have to believe in it fully or not.
“I know that every time that I go out there, I do the best that I can. If that’s with a car that is capable of P5, I will put it P5. If it’s capable of winning, I will win. Honestly, I just approach it very simple which also doesn’t eat up a lot of energy. I have a lot of free time outside of that.”
Verstappen’s admission shows his increasing frustration with as with every passing race, his chances of winning a fifth world title slips by.
Although there are still enough races left in the season for him to overtake the McLaren duo on the standings, that reality is hinged on Red Bull giving him a fast car, but it seems it might take them a while before significant changes are made.
