Max Verstappen Triumphs Again with Fifth Victory of the Season
Max Verstappen secured his fifth win of the Formula 1 season at the United States Grand Prix, demonstrating a remarkable resurgence that has reignited his championship hopes. With two pole positions and two victories in Texas, including the sprint race, Verstappen has closed the gap significantly in the standings, reducing his deficit to Mclaren‘s Oscar Piastri to just 40 points.
“Idiot” Prediction Proves Wrong
Reflecting on his astounding turnaround, Verstappen remarked, “Anyone predicting my F1 2025 turnaround would’ve been an idiot.” His candid admission came after an impressive performance that has seen him gain 64 points over the last four race weekends.
A Game Plan that Works
“We found a good way with the car, it’s simple as that,” Verstappen explained. “Of course, we put some upgrades on the car, but we just understood our car a bit better as well—where we wanted it to perform better.” This newfound understanding has led to more consistent performances, particularly since the summer break.
Perfect Weekend in Austin
Verstappen described his time in Austin as a “perfect weekend,” while noting that the performance gap to McLaren isn’t as large as it might seem. A strong first stint allowed Verstappen to build a vital lead early in the race. “What was crucial was the first stint in which I could build a bit of a gap,” he stated. After that, his pace largely stabilised, securing the win.
Tire Management Key to Success
Effective tire management played a crucial role in Verstappen’s victory. “It wasn’t very straightforward because there were laps where I had a very different feeling with balance and grip,” he explained. He also acknowledged how the fierce battle between Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc provided him with the necessary breathing room.
Championship Chase on the Line
With the championship fight heating up, Verstappen knows that perfection will be essential if he is to claim his fifth consecutive title—a feat matched only by Michael Schumacher. “We need to be perfect until the end to have a chance,” he asserted. As he continues to close the gap, every race becomes a crucial opportunity for Verstappen to demonstrate his capabilities.
As the Formula 1 season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Red Bull driver as he aims to cement his status among the greats in the sport.