After years of dominance, Max Verstappen experienced an underdog role in the 2025 Formula 1 season, narrowly missing the drivers' championship by two points to Lando Norris. The Red Bull driver admitted that the shift brought more positive fan support, which he found enjoyable despite preferring his 2023 triumph. Verstappen shared these thoughts on The Fast and The Curious podcast.
Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, opened up about his 2025 season, where he transitioned from a dominant force to an underdog in the title battle. Following a strong post-summer break performance, Verstappen fell just two points short of the drivers' championship, which was won by Lando Norris. This marked a departure from his 2023 season, in which he secured 19 victories out of 22 grands prix.
During an appearance on The Fast and The Curious podcast, Verstappen reflected on the change in fan reception. "Honestly, I've not changed as a person," he said. "It's just that you are in a different role naturally because you're not winning as many races as we did before. But at the end of the day, for me, it's more important. Did I change? No, I didn't."
He acknowledged the warmer welcome from crowds, contrasting it with previous boos. When asked about increased positivity in 2025, the Dutch driver replied: "Yeah, I guess when you're a bit of an underdog, probably that happens a bit naturally, but it is nice. It's nice to have people cheering instead of booing or whatever."
Verstappen noted that aspects of the underdog position were enjoyable, particularly in the second half of the season, though he still favors 2023 as his best year. "It was not boring to me because I was always challenging myself even," he explained. "People say like, 'Yeah, you're the leader and you check out,' but I'm not checking out. I'm still fully focused."
Looking ahead, Verstappen is gearing up for his 12th F1 season in 2026, which will feature new regulations. Private testing is underway in Barcelona, ahead of sessions in Bahrain on February 11-13 and 18-20.
