Max Verstappen embraces 'Chucky' nickname from Zak Brown as title race intensifies

Max Verstappen, currently 12 points off the Championship lead heading into the final race, has embraced McLaren CEO Zak Brown's comparison to a "guy in a horror movie," telling Brown "he can call me Chucky." This playful jab comes as Verstappen stages an improbable comeback, having been 104 points behind earlier in the season.

Why it matters:

Zak Brown's comments underscore the growing tension and high stakes in the Formula 1 title race. Verstappen's remarkable resurgence, cutting a massive points deficit, has injected dramatic uncertainty into the championship, captivating fans and unsettling competitors. His ability to perform under pressure and claw back points highlights his competitive spirit and the strength of the Red Bull team.

The Details:

• Brown's 'Horror Movie' Analogy: Speaking on the Sports Agents podcast before the Qatar GP, Brown likened Verstappen to a horror movie character who, "right as you think he's not coming back, he's back!"
• Verstappen's Comeback: After the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen was 104 points adrift of the lead. Heading into the season finale, he has dramatically closed the gap to just 12 points.
• 'Chucky' Acceptance: Verstappen responded to Brown's comments by joking, "He can call me Chucky." He added that he found the comment "quite funny" and that his focus remains solely on his own performance and what he can control.
• Team Effort: Verstappen emphasized that his strong performance is a result of a collective team effort, particularly his close collaboration with race engineer GP and the wider Red Bull team. He believes this strong integration helps maximize their potential, even when the car isn't the fastest.
• Personal Growth: Verstappen reflected on his 11 years in F1, noting that he becomes "a bit more all-around" each year, continuously learning from past experiences regarding car setup, race execution, and team collaboration.
• Mid-Season Doubts: He admitted that during a tough first half of the season, there was a point where the team felt it would be difficult to win races again, almost hoping for a better 2026 season. However, significant steps with the car and strategic race calls turned their fortunes around.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the final race in Abu Dhabi to see if Verstappen can complete his improbable comeback and secure another world title. His resilience and the team's ability to develop the car have made him a formidable threat, turning the championship into a thrilling conclusion.