2025 was certainly the season in which Max Verstappen was spoken about very positively. The Dutchman showed in his Red Bull what he is capable of, even when McLaren was actually too fast. Verstappen won the most races of everyone, but narrowly missed out on the world title. Lando Norris remained two points ahead of him despite an amazing comeback.
Yet there was a switch in how Verstappen was viewed. Critics also began to appreciate his performance. Verstappen himself is also a bit surprised about the amount of positivity in 2025.
“Surprising, yes,” says Verstappen Talking Bull-podcast. “I think people naturally start to support you a little more when you’re the underdog, but I think maybe they’re finally starting to realize who I really am.”
Verstappen does not play a character in the paddock. “That works for me. It’s who I want to be. I’m not trying to be a fake person in the paddock or whatever. That’s just not me. In Formula 1, when you have a lot of success or are doing well, it’s easy to forget that sometimes.”
The 28-year-old driver therefore attaches more value to his loved ones. “That’s why it’s crucial to always have the most important people around you who will tell you honestly if you might be acting a little strange or different. I’m very lucky with that, because I have a great family of course, but also really good friends.”
