Max Verstappen Predicts a ‘Proper Battle’ for 2025....

Max Verstappen Predicts a ‘Proper Battle’ for 2025….read more

Max Verstappen, after securing his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship, has boldly predicted that the 2025 season will bring a “proper fight between a lot of teams.” The Dutch driver, who was honored at the FIA Awards Ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda, spoke about his 2024 season, which he described as “up and down,” offering insight into what the future holds for both himself and the sport.

A Challenging Season and a Record-Breaking Championship

Verstappen’s 2024 campaign with Red Bull was marked by ups and downs. Despite securing his fourth world title, which places him in a rarefied group of F1 legends alongside Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel, it wasn’t without its challenges. His dominance in the early part of the season, coupled with a mid-year slump, made it clear that this championship was not going to be a walk in the park. He admitted that his team had their work cut out for them as the competition from other teams, especially McLaren, intensified.

“At the start of the season, everything looked fantastic,” Verstappen reflected. “But as always, we understand our limitations as a team. While the competition made incredible strides with their car development, it became evident that the challenges were coming from all sides, particularly in the constructors’ battle.”

Though Verstappen’s individual performance was exemplary, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri proved formidable contenders. While Red Bull’s dominance in the drivers’ championship remained unquestioned, McLaren managed to outpace Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, securing a narrow victory over Ferrari by just 14 points. Red Bull, in contrast, finished in third, a remarkable 77 points behind the leaders, with Verstappen contributing 74.2% of the team’s total points for the season.

Despite the team’s disappointment in the constructors’ race, Verstappen remained proud of the effort. “Even when we were under pressure, and having tough times, the team never panicked,” he said. “We stuck together, worked through the issues, and did our best to maintain our performance. This season may have had its struggles, but I’m proud of everyone involved.”

The Road to 2025: A More Competitive Future

Looking ahead, Verstappen seemed optimistic but realistic about the future. He expressed excitement for the challenges that the 2025 season will bring, foreseeing a much more competitive grid as several teams improve their cars. The reigning champion is already looking forward to a battle that will involve multiple teams, hinting that the days of Red Bull’s one-team dominance might soon be over.

“I think it’s going to be a proper fight between a lot of teams in 2025,” Verstappen predicted. “This year we’ve seen some close battles, and I believe next season, especially with other teams working hard to improve, will make things even more interesting. We are already looking at what we can do to stay ahead, but it will be exciting to see how everyone performs.”

Verstappen’s comments come amid speculation that several teams are making significant strides in their development programs, hoping to close the gap to Red Bull’s performance. McLaren, in particular, has been making waves with a marked improvement in both car performance and driver lineup, while teams like Ferrari and Mercedes are also expected to remain competitive. With the new technical regulations coming in 2026, there’s a sense that the balance of power could shift once again, making the 2025 season a pivotal year in F1 history.

A Humbling Experience Among Legends

When asked about his place in F1 history, Verstappen seemed humbled by the thought of joining a select group of four-time champions. Reflecting on the achievement, he admitted that he never imagined reaching such heights as a young driver. “As a kid growing up, you dream of being in Formula 1 and maybe winning a race, but you never really think about these things,” he said, noting how surreal it is to be alongside the likes of Fangio, Schumacher, and Hamilton.

Verstappen acknowledged that while his success is partly due to being in the right place at the right time, it also speaks to his talent and Red Bull’s ability to deliver a competitive car year after year. “Of course, you need to take advantage of those opportunities, and luckily, I’ve been able to do that. Four titles is an incredible achievement, but I don’t want to stop here. I hope we can keep being successful for a long period of time.”

The Dutchman’s words echoed the reality of F1: while past legends are etched in history, the future remains unpredictable. With 2026 bringing a wave of new regulations and technological shifts, Verstappen is well aware that the landscape will soon change. “In 2026, a lot of things are going to change. Some other teams may become competitive again,” he said. “For now, it’s important to enjoy the moment, appreciate what we’ve done, and aim for continued success next year.”

Conclusion

Max Verstappen’s 2024 season may have had its ups and downs, but it ultimately solidified his place as one of F1’s greatest drivers. With his sights set on a fiercely competitive 2025 season, the world can expect a thrilling championship fight, not just from Red Bull, but from a number of rising teams. As the sport evolves, Verstappen’s drive and determination will undoubtedly continue to fuel his quest for further success, while his leadership in a changing landscape will be one of the most exciting storylines in the years to come.