Five Moments That Proved Verstappen's Brilliance in 2025
Despite losing the 2025 title by two points, Max Verstappen delivered a season of brilliance. Five key moments, from a record lap to a stunning comeback drive, cemented his status as F1's top driver.
Max Verstappen fell just two points short of a fifth F1 title in 2025, but the Dutchman arguably delivered one of the finest seasons of his career. After being 104 points behind, his remarkable comeback was fueled by moments of sheer brilliance that reminded the paddock of his unparalleled talent. These five performances, from strategic masterclasses to raw speed, defined a campaign where he may have lost the #1, but solidified his claim as the #1 driver.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's 2025 campaign wasn't about the car's dominance but about the driver's ability to extract the maximum, even from a flawed package. These moments highlight his race-craft, strategic intelligence, and raw speed, reinforcing his status as the benchmark in Formula 1. His performance kept the championship fight alive until the very end, creating one of the most exciting title battles in recent memory.
The Details:
- Japanese GP Perfection: With a low-downforce gamble, Verstappen snatched pole from Lando Norris by just 0.012s at Suzuka, converting it into a dominant victory against a faster McLaren.
- Imola's Overtake of the Year: He executed a stunning, brave move around the outside of Oscar Piastri at the Tamburello chicane, a maneuver that earned him FIA's "Action of the Year" and set up his second win of the season.
- Monza's Record Speed: Verstappen set the fastest lap in F1 history at Monza with an average speed of 264.681 km/h (164.465 mph), before winning the fastest-ever Grand Prix the next day.
- Baku Grand Chelem: He delivered a flawless weekend in Azerbaijan, leading every lap from pole to claim his sixth career Grand Chelem, tying him with Lewis Hamilton and trailing only Jim Clark.
- Brazilian Comeback Drive: After a puncture and a pit lane start, Verstappen produced one of the great modern drives, carving through the field to finish third and join an elite group of drivers to score a podium from the pit lane.
Looking Ahead:
Verstappen's 2025 performance proves he can win races and challenge for championships even without a statistically dominant car. His heroic comeback and individual brilliance will only fuel the fire for the 2026 season, setting up a thrilling rivalry with Lando Norris and McLaren. For Red Bull, the challenge is clear: provide the Dutchman with a machine that can consistently match his talent to turn these moments of brilliance into a fifth world title.