Mekies: The World Saw an 'Even More Extraordinary' Max Verstappen in 2025
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised Max Verstappen for demonstrating an "even more extraordinary" level this season, highlighted by his resilience and composure in a "historical comeback." After being 104 points down, Verstappen has narrowed the gap to just 12 points heading into the Abu Dhabi finale, securing five wins in the last eight races. Mekies attributes this to Verstappen's relaxed approach, strong team integration, and a race-by-race philosophy that transformed pressure into motivation, cementing his place in F1 history.
After a challenging start to the season, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies believes Max Verstappen has shown a new level of brilliance, characterized by resilience and composure, leading to a "historical comeback" in the championship fight. Following the Dutch Grand Prix in August, Verstappen was 104 points behind, but he has since slashed that deficit to just 12 points heading into the Abu Dhabi finale, securing five wins and podiums in all of the last eight races.
Why it matters:
Max Verstappen's remarkable late-season surge has not only reignited the championship battle but also showcased his evolving maturity and mental fortitude. A potential title victory from such a significant deficit would solidify his place in Formula 1 history and highlight Red Bull's strategic prowess, especially as rivals McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri initially seemed poised to dominate the finale.
The Details:
- 'An Even More Extraordinary Max': Mekies suggested that regardless of whether Verstappen clinches the title, the world has witnessed a more profound version of the four-time world champion this season.
- Magnitude of the Comeback: The scale of overturning a 104-point deficit is unprecedented, demonstrating Verstappen's exceptional skill and Red Bull's relentless pursuit of performance.
- Composure and Team Integration: Mekies highlighted Verstappen's relaxed demeanor and how well he has integrated within the team, embracing the challenges with the right spirit.
- Beyond F1: Verstappen's engagement in GT3 racing during his free weekends, alongside becoming a new father, has added a human element, endearing him further to fans and the team.
- Race-by-Race Philosophy: Red Bull's approach of focusing on each race individually, rather than obsessing over championship points, has been crucial. This strategy has allowed both Verstappen and the team to concentrate on optimizing the car and performance.
- Pressure as Privilege: Mekies stated that this approach transformed potential pressure into a sense of privilege for being part of a historic fight, enabling them to focus on what truly matters.
What's next:
The Abu Dhabi finale presents the culmination of one of F1's most dramatic title turnarounds. Regardless of the outcome, Mekies is convinced that this season has revealed an "even more extraordinary" Max Verstappen. If Verstappen completes this comeback, it will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of Formula 1 as one of the most memorable championship triumphs, underscoring his unique blend of speed, composure, and resilience.