Max Verstappen makes dire 2025 title prediction if Red Bull 'continues like this'

Max Verstappen is cautious of Red Bull's competitiveness in the 2025 F1 season, as he believes that at the current trajectory, he may not be able to retain his championship title next year. The Dutchman highlighted many areas of improvement while affirming trust in Red Bull.

Verstappen faced serious threat in his championship quest this year as Lando Norris dramatically closed down the gap following a steep rise in McLaren's pace in the second half of the season. He fell short by 63 points, but a victory in Abu Dhabi helped McLaren secure the constructors' championship.

Meanwhile, for the 2025 season, Red Bull has made a significant change. Sergio Perez has lost his spot in the team, with junior driver Liam Lawson getting a promotion.

However, Max Verstappen has issued a word of caution for his team. In an interview with De Telegraaf, the Dutch driver expressed doubt in his championship quest for the 2025 season as he called for serious changes in the RB21. He asked for more stability towards kerbs, bumps, and slow corners.

"If we continue like this, I will not be champion next year. It is that simple. We really have to take steps to be competitive next season. We all know that. I trust that the team can fix the balance problems of last season. And certain things that we could not change last year will be changed for next year. We know that it has to be better over the kerbs, bumps, and in the slow corners. Those are generally our weak points. If we are still beaten then, it will be on the basis of pure speed," Verstappen said.

Despite the car's shortcomings, Verstappen's self-confidence and self-belief are intact. He stated that keeping the pressure on helps him unleash his full potential even with an unpleasant car.

"I always keep the pressure on. Also, on myself. I try not to think too lightly about it. At one point, the car was barely steerable. This was all I could get out of it."

Max Verstappen wasn't comfortable driving the RB20 this year, as he complained on the radio several times. However, despite the challenges, he managed to secure his fourth championship title in a row, even though Red Bull conceded defeat in the constructors' race.

2025 will also be a crucial year for the entire grid, let alone Red Bull, as the 2026 season will see an overhaul in engine regulations.

---

Max Verstappen criticizes the FIA's 'childlike' punishment on swearing

Max Verstappen with FIA boss (Image Source: Getty)

Max Verstappen faced an unnatural situation in the 2024 season as he was given a community service punishment by the FIA for swearing in press conferences and radio messages. The Dutchman is not a fan of the new rules. In his interview with Viaplay, Verstappen hit out at the FIA for treating professional racing drivers as children (via motorsportweek):

"That’s something I don’t like about F1. Of course, I understand that you can’t swear in a press conference, but it was an expression that came out very quickly. You have to watch your language, but to be punished like a little kid makes me wonder: what are we doing in this sport?”

Having said that, despite the disagreement, the 27-year-old served his community service hours before the FIA prize-giving ceremony.