Max Verstappen has one ‘not normal’ relationship at Red Bull that may help him win the 2025 F1 title

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Max Verstappen has been phenomenal to start the 2025 Formula 1 season and has no right to be as close to the top of the standings as he is.

Red Bull’s car was developed poorly over the winter, and McLaren now hold a significant advantage over them as a result.

Verstappen has already won a race and has maximised his returns from the other four events to be just 12 points behind Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ championship.

The reigning champion’s skill set is masking the true deficiencies of the RB21 currently. Verstappen was ‘fed up’ of one question in Saudi Arabia, after continually being asked about his future.

After battling for the lead in the Middle East, Verstappen admires Piastri’s calmness and is excited for a battle with a new rival in 2025.

The fans should be, too, if their turn one exchange at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is anything to go by.

READ MORE: F1 fans not buying how Christian Horner proved Max Verstappen’s penalty was unfair at the Saudi Arabian GP, ‘games the system’

Max Verstappen’s ‘not normal’ Gianpiero Lambiase relationship could be key to 2025 F1 title race

Verstappen has worked with current race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase ever since he arrived at Red Bull back at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.

They know each other better than any other combination of driver and engineer on the grid currently, and it’s a big reason behind why they are able to be so successful.

Jeroen Bleekemolen says that listening to the two communicate during a race is something special, and it could be an advantage in the title race. Being blunt and to the point will save them both time.

“It’s really fantastic when you have the opportunity to listen to those onboard radios for an entire race,” said Bleekemolen.

“So not just the fragments that you see in the live feeds, but really listening to how they discuss. Especially when things get exciting with the race or strategy, or a safety car.

“Yes that is really not normal, and they understand each other so well. Verstappen has received comments that he is sometimes so loud on the radio, even towards his engineer. But that’s not a problem because that’s someone who can handle that.”

Is Max Verstappen the favourite for the 2025 Formula 1 title?

On the evidence of previous seasons, it would be silly not to consider Verstappen to be one of the favourites for the title.

Whether or not he is top dog depends on a few factors which are yet to be decided. Red Bull must start by nailing their in-season development.

Then, they must ensure that they remain focused enough on their future projects to remain competitive in the long run.

Red Bull are confident Verstappen won’t leave ahead of a crucial turning point – the 2026 F1 regulations, which are around the corner.

Further mistakes could lead to them losing their star driver and placing their operation under significant pressure. Alarm bells would be ringing.