Max Verstappen Downplays Significance of 2025 F1 Title Ahead of Abu Dhabi Decider

Max Verstappen says winning the 2025 Formula 1 title “doesn’t really matter” to him, despite heading into a three-way championship decider in Abu Dhabi with a strong chance. The Red Bull driver, fresh off his seventh Grand Prix victory of the season in Qatar, has remarkably narrowed a 104-point deficit to just 12 points, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen, already a multiple world champion, can match Juan Manuel Fangio’s championship tally and become only the second driver to achieve five consecutive titles, joining Michael Schumacher, if he triumphs over Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. This would cement his legacy further in F1 history.
• His relaxed attitude, even as he faces a pivotal career moment, offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a top-tier athlete, highlighting his confidence and a potential strategy to reduce pressure.

The details:

• Verstappen secured his seventh win of the season in Qatar through an impeccable drive and a decisive strategy call, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure and adapt to race conditions.
• Compared to his 2021 title showdown, Verstappen describes himself as “a lot more relaxed now,” emphasizing his positive energy despite being 12 points down.
• He expressed that even if he doesn't win the title, he acknowledges having an “amazing season,” which “takes a lot of the pressure off.” This perspective allows him to “just out there having a good time.”
• Verstappen admitted that winning the title will likely depend on “external factors” but remains hopeful for an unpredictable race in Abu Dhabi, drawing parallels to the surprising events of the Qatar Grand Prix.
• This season marks the first time Verstappen has contended for the title with an RB21 that hasn't consistently been the most competitive car, indicating his exceptional driving skill and the team's ability to maximize performance.
• He rated his season as “very strong” despite a “really tough first half,” attributing his growth to 11 years in F1 and continuously learning from past experiences, even in championship-winning years.
• The team made “really good steps with the car,” transforming a mid-season outlook where he didn't “really see a way forward” to being competitive again, highlighting Red Bull's development efforts.
• Verstappen also noted winning races where “maybe we shouldn’t have, like today, by making the right call as a team,” emphasizing the importance of team strategy and his execution.

What's next:

The upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be the ultimate test for Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri. While Verstappen remains calm and focused on maximizing his performance, the championship outcome will likely hinge on a combination of driver skill, team strategy, and external race factors. His relaxed approach could be a psychological advantage in what promises to be a tense finale.