Verstappen: Underdog Role in 2025 Showed Fans 'Who I Really Am'
Max Verstappen expressed surprise at gaining fan support during his 2025 title challenge, suggesting his underdog role helped fans see his authentic self, a contrast to the boos he received during his dominant years.
Max Verstappen admitted he was surprised to gain fan support during his intense 2025 title battle, a stark contrast to the boos he received during his dominant periods. The four-time champion believes that being the hunter rather than the hunted allowed the public to see his authentic personality for the first time.
Why it matters:
This narrative shift is significant for a driver often perceived as simply aggressive or dominant. Verstappen's fightback from a massive deficit showcased his resilience and humanized him in the eyes of many fans, potentially altering his public image and legacy as he moves into the next phase of his career.
The details:
- The comeback: After his home race in Zandvoort, Verstappen was 104 points behind the championship lead. He mounted a serious charge, outperforming both McLaren drivers in the final third of the season to push Lando Norris to the wire.
- A new perception: When asked about gaining fans, Verstappen said, "I mean, surprising... I guess maybe they finally start to realise who I am – who I really am." He attributed this to the "underdog role" making people more supportive.
- Authenticity over fame: The Dutch driver emphasized his desire to be genuine, stating, "I don’t try to be a fake person in the paddock or whatever, that’s just not how I am." He credits his family and friends for keeping him grounded.
- A relaxed philosophy: Verstappen downplayed the importance of his championship tally, remarking that at 50 or 60 years old, it won't matter if he has four or seven titles. "Stress is very bad for you, and you’re going to die sooner if you have a lot of stress, so I’m going to be 250 years old!" he joked.
Looking ahead:
Verstappen's pragmatic and stress-free mindset suggests he will approach the 2026 season and beyond with the same measured focus. His proven ability to thrive as an underdog, combined with his clear-headed perspective on success and failure, positions him as a formidable contender regardless of the early-season competitive order.