Red Bull Insists Max Verstappen's Calm Demeanor is Genuine Amidst Historic Comeback Bid
Red Bull insists Max Verstappen's calm demeanor amidst his dramatic F1 championship comeback is genuine. After trailing by over 100 points, Verstappen has clawed his way back to within 12 points of leader Lando Norris, thanks to strategic car updates and an unshakeable focus. His team boss, Laurent Mekies, confirms there's 'no acting' in his relaxed approach to the high-stakes Abu Dhabi finale, emphasizing a race-by-race mentality and the privilege of being in a historic title fight.
Despite facing a thrilling season finale, Red Bull's Laurent Mekies asserts that Max Verstappen's 'incredibly relaxed' attitude at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is entirely authentic. The Dutchman, on the cusp of a remarkable fifth consecutive F1 drivers' championship, has orchestrated what Mekies describes as a 'historical comeback' after trailing significantly earlier in the season.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's serene approach in such a high-stakes title fight is a testament to his mental fortitude and experience. This mindset has been crucial in his resurgence, allowing him and Red Bull to perform under pressure while rivals McLaren and Lando Norris have shown signs of faltering. A fifth consecutive title would solidify Verstappen's legendary status and mark one of F1's most improbable comebacks.
The Details:
- Historic Comeback: Verstappen was 104 points behind Oscar Piastri and 70 points adrift of Lando Norris after the Zandvoort race, which marked the beginning of the season's second half.
- Remarkable Performance: Over the subsequent eight rounds, the 28-year-old secured five victories and three additional podiums, closing the gap to just 12 points behind Norris, who currently leads the championship standings.
- Key Updates: His renewed performance largely stems from a transformative floor update to his RB21 introduced at Monza and improved operational methods under new team boss Laurent Mekies.
- Verstappen's Composure: As the title battle intensified and McLaren experienced minor setbacks, Verstappen has consistently maintained a cool, calm, and collected demeanor. He attributes this to his extensive experience and his belief that he was out of contention after his home Grand Prix.
- Mekies' Confirmation: Laurent Mekies confirmed Verstappen's genuine relaxation, stating, "He is incredibly relaxed. There is no acting there. Honestly, he has been like that — for the little that I've seen of him in the second part of the year — in the bad moments and the positive moments."
What's next:
With only one race and 25 points remaining, Verstappen's primary path to the championship is a victory in Abu Dhabi. However, a win alone will not guarantee the title; if Lando Norris finishes on the podium, he will clinch the championship, putting the outcome partially out of Verstappen's hands. Red Bull and Verstappen are approaching the final race with the same race-by-race mentality that has characterized their comeback.
- Focus on the Race: Mekies explained, "We never quite looked at the championship points. We always felt that: you go to a race, you try to get the car to the right window, which is difficult enough."
- Privilege, Not Pressure: Mekies emphasized the importance of viewing the situation as a "privilege" rather than pressure, highlighting the opportunity to complete a championship recovery that would be etched into F1 history books. This approach, he believes, has allowed both Verstappen and the team to focus on performance and embrace the historical significance of their fight.