Max Verstappen views the Max Verstappen Red Bull strategy as an asset, emphasizing that competing alone against both McLaren drivers for the 2025 Formula 1 championship has been more beneficial than challenging. As Red Bull contended with changes in its driver lineup, Verstappen found himself isolated at the front, turning this into an advantage during a crucial title comeback.
Red Bull’s Driver Changes and Verstappen’s Lone Battle
Red Bull’s ongoing search for a stable second driver saw Liam Lawson replaced after only two challenging weekends. Yuki Tsunoda stepped in but faced his own difficulty with consistent performance, resulting in his demotion to reserve status for 2026. As a result, Red Bull opted to test Isack Hadjar in the seat. These changes left Verstappen as the team’s sole frontrunner, pitted against the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as the season progressed.
Despite lacking a teammate at the front to support with tactical options, Verstappen believed that flying solo actually aided his efforts.
“When you’re on your own, you can go on the attack, you can be much more aggressive. I always prefer that,”
he explained to Viaplay.
“Look, if you’re a bit equal with the car, then I wish both [McLaren drivers] good luck, because then you can really decide it amongst yourselves.”
McLaren’s Equal Treatment Creates Strategic Openings
Verstappen observed that McLaren, by allowing both Norris and Piastri to fight freely, ended up with their drivers taking points from each other. This intra-team rivalry complicated McLaren’s strategy, something Verstappen suggested created openings for his own campaign.
“If I were a team boss, I would always put a clear number one and two in place,”
the four-time world champion explained.
Verstappen further noted the value of having a well-defined driver hierarchy for maximizing both individual and team results. He asserted the importance of a strong second driver but maintained the benefits of strategic clarity.
“Of course, a number two who still scores enough points to compete for the constructors’ title. But a clear number one and two.
“Because McLaren had two drivers, they gave away some things with their strategy. So, of course, we benefited from that too.”
What Verstappen’s Strategy Means for the Championship
Verstappen’s experience as a sole leader against McLaren’s two-car approach demonstrates the unique challenges and opportunities of modern Formula 1 strategy. The ongoing debate about team orders and driver hierarchy will likely influence Red Bull and other teams as they prepare for the next season. Red Bull’s willingness to experiment with its lineup has put Verstappen in a pivotal position, highlighting both the risks and rewards of a single-driver focus as the title race continues to evolve.
