JUST IN :Verstappen Eyes Fifth Title After Monaco as Rule Changes

Verstappen Eyes Fifth Title After Monaco as Rule Changes Loom

Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen remains firmly in the hunt for a fifth title, even after falling short of claiming his 66th career win at the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite finishing off the podium in Monte Carlo, Verstappen’s performance and Red Bull’s strategy continue to position him as a major contender in the 2025 championship battle.

Starting from fourth on the grid, Verstappen was behind both McLaren drivers and Charles Leclerc, who delighted his home fans by leading the Ferrari charge around the challenging Monaco circuit. While overtaking is notoriously difficult on the tight, twisty streets of the principality, Verstappen’s fourth-place start and finish did little to diminish his title hopes.

Attention now turns to the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, which promises to be more than just another race. The event, held in Barcelona, will mark the ninth round of the season and introduce significant new FIA regulations targeting front wing flexibility—a key topic that’s stirred up considerable debate in recent weeks.

McLaren’s recent surge in form has been partially credited to their innovative use of so-called “flexi-wings,” which allow a car to adapt its aerodynamics for maximum downforce through corners and reduced drag on straights. Although their wing designs were declared legal in the 2024 season, McLaren made noticeable alterations at the Singapore Grand Prix last year, likely in anticipation of greater scrutiny.

The FIA has ramped up its testing procedures throughout the 2025 season, particularly concerning rear wings, but it’s the upcoming introduction of front wing testing at the Spanish GP that has grabbed headlines. These changes could level the playing field and possibly reduce McLaren’s apparent edge, which has seen drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri challenging consistently at the front.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, along with Verstappen’s own father Jos Verstappen, had earlier voiced frustration over the FIA’s delay in enforcing stricter wing regulations. They argued that waiting until the ninth race to address the issue gave certain teams an unfair advantage in the opening phase of the season.

However, the timing may now work in Verstappen’s favor. With new technical measures set to take effect in Barcelona, the Red Bull camp sees a chance to reclaim dominance. If McLaren’s performance dips as a result of the changes, it could open the door for Verstappen to overtake Norris and Piastri in the standings, making the Spanish GP a potentially decisive moment in the title race.

As the season heats up, all eyes will be on Barcelona to see whether Verstappen can capitalise on the regulatory shakeup and edge closer to a fifth world championship.