IndyCar champion Alex Palou has made a striking claim about Max Verstappen’s 2025 Formula 1 season, suggesting the Dutchman would have utterly dominated the championship in a McLaren. Palou argued that Verstappen’s talent would have allowed him to wrap up the title with races to spare.
According to Palou, Verstappen’s proven ability to extract maximum performance from any car sets him apart from the rest of the grid. He believes that, had Verstappen been placed in McLaren machinery, the outcome of the championship would have been decided long before the final rounds.
The Spaniard contrasted this hypothetical scenario with Verstappen’s real 2025 campaign at Red Bull, where the reigning champion was forced to battle with a car that did not consistently match its rivals. Despite his skill, Verstappen often found himself fighting limitations rather than leading comfortably.
Palou emphasized that McLaren’s package in 2025 appeared well-rounded and competitive across most circuits, making it an ideal platform for a driver of Verstappen’s caliber. In his view, such a combination would have been almost unbeatable over a full season.
While acknowledging that the scenario is purely speculative, Palou’s comments underline the widespread respect for Verstappen’s driving ability. His bold claim has added fresh fuel to ongoing debates about how much of Formula 1 success comes down to the driver versus the car.
About the Author
