Red Bull have made a decision that’s turned ‘dejected’ Max Verstappen into a title contender

Follow us on Google Discover

Max Verstappen’s latest victory was a crucial step towards achieving one of the unlikeliest Formula 1 titles in history.

The Dutchman now trails Oscar Piastri by just 40 points in the drivers’ championship fight, and has already closed the gap by a remarkable 64 points. The United States Grand Prix was a clear display of the direction that the fight is headed in. There will be a tense finish to this campaign.

Even Verstappen had given up on his hopes of matching Michael Schumacher’s record for the most consecutive titles at the summer break. McLaren looked too dominant, but Red Bull have fought back since hiring Laurent Mekies to be their team boss.

Verstappen is now popular everywhere again after going through a bit of a tough spell. Fans are starting to recognise his greatness. Daniel Ricciardo called Verstappen ‘ridiculous’ after his latest showing in Austin, and is a driver who knows about his talents just as much as anyone, having been his teammate.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen makes F1 championship claim and Lando Norris comment after winning the United States GP

Red Bull’s decision to keep developing in 2025 has turned a ‘dejected’ Max Verstappen into a title challenger

Red Bull admitted Verstappen had a ‘dip’ just before the summer break, when he was struggling to compete for places inside the top six. In fact, in Hungary, it looked as though he might not have been able to score a point in what was a lonely, desolate race.

After watching their progress for several weeks, McLaren have ‘realised’ Red Bull’s improvements and now recognise that they pose a serious threat to their ambition of claiming a first championship double in 27 years.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit’s turnaround was sparked by a decision to keep developing their car, while McLaren opted to shift their focus to the 2026 F1 regulations.

It has been the exact ingredient needed to help revitalise a ‘dejected’ Verstappen, who was left feeling angry at their performance after finishing ninth in Hungary, according to Ralf Bach.

“He was completely dejected after the race in Hungary, had basically written off the world championship. Was waiting angrily and thought, OK, we’ll do everything we can to come back in 2026 stronger.

“Suddenly, things changed. He seems to bed on cloud nine, mood-wise. It also has to do with his Nurburgring adventure, which is just like a surfboy playing with all the waves that Formula 1 has to offer and the others get swallowed up.”

READ MORE: ‘Everyone’ at Red Bull agrees on the ‘ideal’ successor if Max Verstappen leaves the team

Why Max Verstappen has the upper hand over McLaren’s drivers in 2025 F1 title fight

Verstappen’s mentality is exactly what he needs and it’s something that has helped him to win in the past. The pressure is off in this situation.

For once, he isn’t the hunted, but he’s the one doing the hunting. He has no lead to protect, and can afford to be as attacking as he would like.

The McLaren drivers aren’t too well versed in such intense situations. They’re in with a shot of their first titles, and it’s something which could take a toll on them.

Norris’ experience should be a big help, but he’ll know that this could be his best opportunity for a while. Who knows how competitive he will be in 2026, and that will be in the back of Piastri’s mind, too.

For Verstappen, he has already won four titles and is the most in-demand driver on the Formula 1 driver market. He has little to lose.