Max Verstappen may have narrowly missed out on the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ title, losing by just two points to Lando Norris, but his performances across the season left a lasting impression. Despite the final standings, the Red Bull driver consistently delivered at a level that stood out in the modern era of the sport.
The 28-year-old endured a challenging start to the campaign as Red Bull struggled to fully understand its RB21 car. Early in the year, the team lacked a clear direction on how to extract maximum performance from the package, placing added pressure on Verstappen to compensate on track.
Verstappen was vocal about the car’s weaknesses, particularly its balance through corners. These issues made the RB21 difficult to drive at the limit, forcing him to adapt his style and extract lap time in ways that defied conventional expectations in contemporary Formula 1.
As the season progressed, Red Bull gradually unlocked the car’s potential. What began as an inconsistent and frustrating machine evolved into the fastest overall package on the grid by the latter stages of the championship.
Even so, Verstappen’s ability to remain competitive throughout the struggles was what truly raised eyebrows. In a sport increasingly dominated by fine margins and optimized machinery, his 2025 campaign featured feats that many felt simply should not have been possible in modern Formula 1.
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