Jenson Button finds what ‘almost everyone’ is now saying about Max Verstappen ‘funny’

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Jenson Button has noticed a change in tune concerning Max Verstappen, as the Red Bull ace fights Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the 2025 F1 drivers’ championship.

Verstappen can join Michael Schumacher as the only driver ever to lift five titles in a row this year, should he complete what would also mark the biggest title comeback in F1 history. The 28-year-old hauled himself back into the fight, despite facing a 104-point deficit this August.

McLaren rival Piastri had sat atop the F1 drivers’ championship boasting a lead of more than four full Grand Prix wins over Verstappen in third place after the Dutch GP in the 15th round of this year’s 24. But the Red Bull racer outscored Piastri during each of the past five rounds.

Now, Button believes Verstappen is firmly in the title fight with Norris and Piastri, and he has “nothing to lose” through the final four rounds in search of a fifth successive crown. Red Bull producing floor and front wing updates after the summer break has proven game-changing.

Jenson Button finds it ‘funny’ how ‘almost everyone’ is now a Max Verstappen fan

But beyond Verstappen’s “exceptional” talent, the way that the conversation concerning the Dutchman has changed of late has caught Button’s attention. The 2009 champion now feels “almost everyone” is a Verstappen fan, whereas he previously drew widespread disapproval.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Pundits and fans alike have frequently voiced concerns about his habits behind the wheel in seasons past. For example, after twice going over the limits while fighting Norris in the 2024 Mexico City GP, Damon Hill questioned Verstappen’s approach to any wheel-to-wheel fights.

Button said, via quotes by Autosprint: “Verstappen, who is exceptional. I think he’s the best Max ever. After all these years, it’s funny to see almost everyone supporting Max and to notice how some have short memories.

“I’m not one to bet, but I have to say that Max has nothing to lose. He doesn’t have the best car, but he’s won four titles and is the most relaxed in this world championship fight.”

Max Verstappen being the 2025 F1 title underdog may have changed the public’s opinion

In his fight against Norris and Piastri for the 2025 championship, Verstappen finds himself as the underdog for the first time since the Red Bull ace fought Lewis Hamilton during the 2021 F1 season. No longer being the favourite may be one reason why more now like Verstappen.

Verstappen’s endless will to push the limits on the track and his desire to race outside of F1 might also justify Button’s belief that the public opinion about the 28-year-old has changed. Verstappen made his GT3 debut at the Nurburgring this September, and even won the race.

Johnny Herbert is a self-proclaimed Verstappen critic, and he has liked seeing the Dutchman refuse to play kindly so far this term. Herbert hailed Verstappen’s “on the edge” overtake on Hamilton in the 2025 Mexico City GP when he forced the Briton wide with a very late lunge.