Derek Daly says Max Verstappen's unique ability makes him unbeatable

Max Verstappen ended 2025 with a podium in each of the final ten Grand Prix, winning six. The surge erased a 104‑point deficit but fell two points short as Lando Norris claimed the title.

Why it matters:

• Instantly reading the start‑line and placing the car on the limit can turn a comparable car into a winner.
• Daly says rapid situational reading, light‑touch handling and emotional neutrality haven’t been seen since the early 2000s, giving Verstappen a strategic edge.
• If Red Bull pairs this talent with a race‑winning car under 2026 rules, the grid could tilt toward the Dutchman.

The details:

• Podium streak – ten straight top‑three finishes, six wins, the season’s longest run.
• Points comeback – erased a 104‑point gap after the summer, narrowing the title fight to two points.
• Daly’s take – “Max reads the environment faster than anyone on the grid,” Daly said. “He makes a light‑touch start, stays emotionally neutral at the lights, and puts himself in the winning spot.”
• Car dependency – Verstappen’s dominance still hinges on Red Bull delivering a car that can exploit his skill.

What's next:

• 2026 overhaul – New aero and power‑unit rules will reset the field; early adopters could challenge Verstappen.
• Red Bull development – A car that matches Verstappen’s reading ability will likely keep him as the season benchmark.
• Rival response – Other teams must innovate on hardware and driver development to narrow the gap created by his unique skill.