Driver identifies a single highlight in 'boring' F1 season: 'Verstappen pays no heed to anything'

Is the Formula 1 season of 2025 boring? Is McLaren too dominant? Tim Coronel certainly expects fireworks from Max Verstappen, perhaps the 'savior' in a year where McLaren is overpowering - and yet makes remarkable mistakes.

Verstappen finished second in the last Grand Prix in Canada with the McLarens having a long-awaited collision, resulting in Norris dropping out. Once tipped as a future champion, he now finds himself trailing teammate Oscar Piastri. It sounds like the makings of a thrilling season — but is it truly living up to the hype?

Opinions are divided, both among fans and F1 analysts. Speaking to GPblog, Tim Coronel doesn't mince words about the current season: "It's a shame. I expected more competition, and I find McLaren to be too dominant. I do think it's cool that Mercedes is getting closer, but it's a pity that Ferrari has fallen back. I want to see competition, but that's what I'm missing! I find it a bit cowardly, at the start of the season."

Verstappen stands alone among F1 elites

The Dutchman is still in the running for the title, despite the apparent issues at Red Bull. Is this the 'Verstappen magic', or is luck on his side? The Dutchman continues: "No, he definitely gets everything out of the car, as we've always known him. I want him to be able to really compete, but that's exactly what I'm missing in the last few races."

"The internal competition in Formula 1 is something you want to see much more than currently, but at the moment, it's far too little," concludes Coronel.

At the start of the GP of Canada, fireworks were expected between Verstappen and the pole position man, George Russell, but little came of it. According to Coronel, his fellow countryman gives his all, but sometimes that's simply not enough. "No, he just knew: this is not feasible. Then you don't do it, otherwise he would have. Only this time, he knew this wasn't going to work."

Tsunoda the 'Benchmark' at Red Bull?

Coronel also addresses the performances of one of Verstappen's many teammates lately, Yuki Tsunoda. He draws a harsh conclusion. "The car is as good as the second driver, and he’s running at the back! I find it truly embarrassing. What strikes me is that they now clearly know it's not the drivers, but the car."

"In other words: I think Red Bull first needs to focus on developing a normal car," concludes Coronel, looking forward to the upcoming races.

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This article was written in collaboration with Marnik Kok.