During the Max Verstappen 2018 F1 season, the Dutchman endured some of his most formative experiences in Formula 1. Although Verstappen is now recognized among the greatest drivers and has secured four world championships, his path to the top was marked by setbacks and tough lessons, especially during his third campaign with Red Bull Racing.
Entering 2018, Verstappen was established as a rising talent and was vying with his teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, for the position as lead driver. However, the early part of that season presented unique challenges. Verstappen’s season began with several incidents in the opening races, including a crash during qualifying at the Bahrain Grand Prix followed by a retirement in the race due to mechanical issues. The Chinese Grand Prix saw Verstappen collide with Sebastian Vettel, resulting in a penalty for the Dutch driver.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix brought more controversy as Verstappen was involved in a dramatic collision with Ricciardo at Turn 1, forcing both Red Bull cars out of the race. The Monaco Grand Prix added to his woes when a crash in the final practice session prevented Verstappen from participating in qualifying, placing him at a significant disadvantage on a track where grid position is critical.
The Turning Point: Rising from a String of Setbacks
Reflecting on this crucial season, Verstappen recently appeared on the Red Bull Racing YouTube channel for an end-of-season review, where he opened up about the impact those events had on his outlook and development as a driver. When asked which year taught him the most, Verstappen pointed to 2018, especially the hard-opening phase:
“2018, the first 7-8 races. Just making some mistakes myself and then you get into a negative spiral, you try to push even harder and it all just didn’t work out and being really upset with myself. Then I had a turn around in montreal: I have to say from that day that’s really where it clicked.”
— Max Verstappen, F1 Champion
It was after the Monaco disappointment, during the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, that Verstappen found clarity. From that moment on, according to the Dutch champion, he began to regain momentum and confidence, which ultimately propelled him towards future success, both with Red Bull and within the sport as a whole.
Speculation Over Verstappen’s F1 Future and Team Talks
Beyond his performances on track, Verstappen’s standing within Formula 1 led to rumors about possible moves between teams, most notably with Mercedes. In an interview with the BBC, Verstappen discussed the considerations that would influence any future decisions regarding a team switch. He emphasized that any potential change would involve more than just the desire for a faster car or a new environment, referencing the multiple factors influencing his career, both inside and outside of racing:
“The change, if I would ever make one, it’s not only because I need a faster F1 car or I need a difference in the environment. There’s a lot of things that are around my F1 career and things that I’m doing outside of F1 that all have to come together.”
— Max Verstappen, F1 Champion
Verstappen also openly acknowledged that discussions with Mercedes had indeed occurred, though he clarified their nature, stating:
“I’m not going to lie. For sure, there were talks. But at the same time, it was all very friendly and open. Nothing more than that,”
— Max Verstappen, F1 Champion
Changing Team Dynamics and Red Bull’s Response
The internal situation at Red Bull evolved significantly in subsequent seasons. By the 2025 season, Red Bull faced challenges with their RB21 car and experienced notable leadership changes. Team Principal Christian Horner was dismissed mid-season, and Laurent Mekies stepped into the role, introducing a new technical upgrade that helped improve the team’s competitiveness. These changes enabled Verstappen to continue battling for race victories and further asserted his influence within the organization.
Looking back, the Max Verstappen 2018 F1 season stands out as a period of personal and professional growth for the Dutch driver. The lessons learned during that turbulent year not only shaped his career but also contributed to his reputation as one of Formula 1’s most resilient and skilled competitors. Verstappen’s experiences illustrate that setbacks can provide the foundation for future achievements, both on and off the track, setting the stage for continued success and speculation about what lies ahead in his racing journey.
“what was the season you maybe learned the most?”
max: “2018, the first 7-8 races. just making some mistakes myself and then you get into a negative spiral, you try to push even harder and it all just didn’t work out and being really upset with myself.
then i had a turn around… pic.twitter.com/8KH31r2cUd
— nini (@SCUDERIAFEMBOY) December 23, 2025
