Max Verstappen’s aggression on track has sparked fear and uncertainty among his Formula 1 rivals in 2025, according to expert commentary. The Dutch driver’s relentless driving style, often pushing boundaries, plays a significant role in how competitors perceive and respond to him during races.
Widely recognized as the most aggressive competitor this season, Verstappen has demonstrated a fearless approach, as seen in his fierce defense against Lando Norris during last year’s Mexican Grand Prix. However, his aggressive tactics have sometimes escalated, leading to incidents like his collision with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this year. Despite occasional controversies, Verstappen’s bold maneuvers have frequently given him an edge, including a decisive overtake on Oscar Piastri at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix that contributed to his race-winning performance. With six races left and a 63-point deficit to Piastri, Verstappen must continue to execute such daring moves to remain championship competitive.
How Verstappen’s Driving Echoes F1 Legends’ Tactics
F1 commentator Martin Brundle highlighted how Verstappen’s aggressive style unsettles his rivals by keeping them off balance. During a discussion ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix on Sky Sports, Brundle explained that Verstappen’s ability to extract grip where others hesitate, especially in the opening corners, creates psychological pressure on other drivers.
“I think Max, because he’s so aggressive, especially when he finds some grip that others don’t believe is there in the first few corners of the opening lap. I think he sort of lives in their heads rent-free, a little bit, because they don’t know what he’s going to do next. And that is entirely intentional,”
Brundle said.
This approach draws direct comparisons to legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, who famously intimidated opponents through their tenacity on track.
Whether it was Formula 3 or Formula 1, Ayrton would steam up the inside of you and leave you to decide whether you wanted to crash on that day in history or not.
Martin Brundle, F1 Commentator
Voices from the Paddock: Criticism and Defense of Verstappen’s Style
Former world champion Jenson Button has noted that George Russell remains one of the few drivers unafraid to criticize Verstappen’s sometimes overbearing tactics. After the Qatar Grand Prix, Russell publicly challenged Verstappen’s behavior, accusing him of being allowed to intimidate others unchecked.
I think he’s been enabled [to bully] because nobody has stood up to him,
Russell remarked last year.
Button reflected on Lewis Hamilton’s 2021 championship battle as a contrasting example, emphasizing Hamilton’s respectful yet aggressive approach in fighting Verstappen.
And the way Lewis dealt with that championship fight, he was hard, he was aggressive, he was always respectful, and he never went beyond the line.
Jenson Button, 2009 F1 World Champion
Button also praised Russell for being vocal when others hesitate to speak out about on-track behavior, citing several occasions when Russell has addressed conflicts involving Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.
Yeah, he has, and he’s also the one to point out when other people haven’t quite a few times this year, especially with Oscar and Max.
Jenson Button, 2009 F1 World Champion
The Challenge Ahead for Verstappen and His Rivals
As the 2025 season progresses, Verstappen’s aggressive style remains a defining element of his racing identity, one that both intimidates opponents and occasionally risks penalty. The psychological advantage he gains by keeping rivals guessing is crucial in a closely contested championship battle. Whether this strategy will ultimately deliver him another title depends on his ability to balance aggression with control in the final rounds.
With multiple key figures such as Verstappen, Russell, and Piastri continuing to battle fiercely, the dynamics at the front of the grid promise high tension and unpredictable outcomes as the season nears its conclusion.
