Max Verstappen secured victory at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, reigniting his chances in the Max Verstappen F1 championship battle. The Red Bull star dominated the race while rival teams, including McLaren, faced difficulties, marking his second consecutive win as Red Bull prepared for a high-risk strategy in the season’s final seven events.
Red Bull Racing had a challenging start to the 2025 campaign, with Verstappen struggling to match the pace of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Mercedes and Ferrari also closed the performance gap on the RB21, casting doubt on Verstappen’s ability to defend his title. However, a leadership change saw Laurent Mekies step in after Christian Horner’s departure, sparking a resurgence in the team’s form.
Since the summer break, Verstappen has consistently finished on the podium, claiming wins at Monza and Baku alongside a strong performance at his home Grand Prix. These results have shrunk the gap between him and championship leader Oscar Piastri, who retired early in Azerbaijan, with Lando Norris finishing only seventh, allowing Verstappen to reduce the deficit to 69 points.
Discussing the team’s approach amid the tighter contest, Laurent Mekies emphasized their focus on maximizing performance through a risk-forward tactic. He explained,
“We’ll approach each race, focusing on ourselves to understand the car better, making our contribution to it and we’ll see where that takes us. And we’re trying to take a high-risk approach, so we learn as much as we can at the end of the season first, and that takes precedence over discussions about the championship or anything else.” – Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing
“This approach is necessary anyway because the gap between Max and Oscar is significant. We can’t count on McLaren making mistakes too often,” added Mekies.
With seven races remaining, including three sprint events, Verstappen faces the challenge of consistently outperforming Piastri to keep his championship hopes alive. Every competitive weekend will be crucial as the Dutchman aims to close the points gap.
McLaren’s View on Verstappen’s Remaining Title Chances
Following a poor showing for McLaren in Azerbaijan, team principal Andrea Stella addressed questions about whether Max Verstappen is still a serious contender for the 2025 F1 title. Emphasizing Verstappen’s exceptional experience as a four-time world champion, Stella recognized the difficulty in sidelining a driver of his caliber.
“We don’t have to forget that, first of all, it’s Max Verstappen. World champion for the last four years, in a fast car. There are races where McLaren may not enjoy any advantage from a competitiveness point of view.” – Andrea Stella, McLaren Team Principal
“Sometimes there will be a little bit more points for Lando, a little bit more points for Oscar, so they may take some points away from each other. We are very aware of this aspect, but we let them race, because they both deserve to pursue their aspirations. Therefore, yes, Verstappen and Red Bull are in contention for the drivers’ championship,” added Stella.
Red Bull has historically faced difficulties at the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, a street race where the RB21’s performance remains uncertain. Still, Verstappen’s recent form and the team’s willingness to take risks suggest they will continue pushing aggressively to stay within striking distance of the championship leader.
Red Bull’s Strategy and Team Changes Boost Verstappen’s Title Bid
The switch to Laurent Mekies as team principal brought renewed focus and determination to Red Bull’s 2025 campaign. Mekies’ strategy centers on experimenting and learning through a high-risk approach rather than playing it safe for points alone. This decision stems from recognizing the substantial point difference separating Verstappen from Piastri and the minimal margin for error if McLaren drivers maintain consistency.
Verstappen’s recent successes, including wins at Monza and Baku, underscore the effectiveness of this bold direction. His ability to keep pace with, and sometimes surpass, the championship leader reflects both his skill and the team’s evolving performance.
What Lies Ahead for Verstappen and the F1 Championship
The remaining seven races, featuring three sprint formats, represent a critical phase for Verstappen and Red Bull. While the points gap remains daunting, the combination of Verstappen’s experience, aggressive team tactics, and the unpredictable nature of motorsport keep his chances alive. Each race weekend will demand flawless execution and strategic northern boldness if Verstappen is to reclaim the championship.
Fans and experts alike will watch closely to see whether Verstappen can maintain this momentum and overturn the current leaderboard. His resilience and Red Bull’s renewed approach may prove decisive as the 2025 season reaches its climax.
