Max Verstappen remained a central figure in Formula 1 throughout the 2025 season, despite falling short of clinching the driver’s championship. The Dutch driver delivered one of the sport’s most remarkable campaigns, mounting a strong comeback that nearly saw him surpass Lando Norris for the title. Addressing his position as an underdog, Verstappen shared his thoughts on how the experience felt and how it shaped his connection with the fans.
Throughout the 2025 season, Red Bull and Verstappen faced significant performance difficulties, yet the driver secured the highest number of race victories, even as McLaren showed dominant form overall. The crowds rallied behind Verstappen, celebrating his podium finishes enthusiastically in contrast to the boos directed at Norris and his team. This support stood out to the four-time world champion, who found it gratifying to be cheered rather than booed by the audience.
Verstappen highlighted that the underdog role came quite naturally to him and that he didn’t have to make an effort to win the crowd’s favor. He expressed that this shift in dynamics made the latter part of the season more enjoyable, especially as he achieved five wins in the final seven races. Despite closing a daunting points gap—from 104 to just two—he maintained that his record-breaking 2023 season remained his favorite.
“Yeah, I guess when you’re a bit of an underdog, probably that happens a bit naturally, but it is nice. It’s nice to have people cheering instead of booing or whatever. Sometimes [being the underdog] was enjoyable. The second half was more enjoyable than the first half. But for me, ’23 is still my favourite season.”
Max Verstappen said on the Fast and the Curious podcast.
How Verstappen’s Personality Has Stayed Consistent Despite Changing Perceptions
From the start of his Formula 1 journey in 2016, Max Verstappen was known as a polarizing figure on the grid. His aggressive driving and dominant performances, especially in 2023 when he won 19 out of 22 races, made him a target of harsh criticism and divided fan reactions. Following the challenges faced in 2025, Verstappen received more admiration from fans, yet he reassured that his character had not altered over time.
The 28-year-old emphasized that he remains the same person he was years ago, noting that the shift in public opinion largely stemmed from fewer race wins rather than any personal transformation. Verstappen underscored the importance of staying authentic and not changing himself just to earn approval, which, in his view, earned respect from others.
“Honestly, I’ve not changed as a person, It’s just that you are in a different role naturally because you’re not winning as many races as we did before. But at the end of the day, for me, it’s more important. Did I change? No, I didn’t. So that’s the only thing that I can really say about that.”
Max Verstappen noted.
Looking Ahead: New Challenges with Red Bull and Ford Partnership in 2026
As Verstappen prepares for the 2026 season, he faces fresh challenges with Red Bull entering a new partnership with Ford for their power units. Early testing in Barcelona has delivered encouraging results, hinting at a competitive season under the updated regulations. Fans and experts alike are keen to see how Verstappen will navigate this evolving landscape and whether he can maintain his winning form as an underdog or return to dominance.
With this transition, the 2026 campaign could redefine Verstappen’s role in Formula 1 and introduce new storylines that will captivate the sport’s passionate audience. His resilience and determination from the 2025 season suggest he will continue pushing limits to reclaim the top spot.
