Verstappen answers burning question about the course of the F1 season 2025

Max Verstappen no longer harbours illusions about the remaining part of the Formula 1 season. After another disappointing weekend in Hungary, the Red Bull Racing driver acknowledges that many teams' focus is already on 2026. However, he still hopes for better results in the second half of the season.

Verstappen has had a difficult year so far. Whereas he competed for the win virtually every race weekend in previous seasons, he often ends up off the podium in 2025. After the F1 race at the Hungaroring, he is realistic about his expectations for the rest of the season.

Does Verstappen still think he can win this year?

"Of course, the focus for everyone is already a lot of us on to '26," he tells in the presence of GPblog and other media. "What we need to try and achieve is just to have more consistent behaviours and results at the end of the day."

He doesn't rule out that Red Bull can still win races. At the same time, he makes it clear that the current form doesn't really give much reason for that. "Is it still possible to win races before the end of the year? I don't know. After a weekend like this, it's very difficult to say. But you never know, there might always be surprises."

Max Verstappen during FP1 at the Hungaroring

The Dutchman knew beforehand that he would not be vying for the title this year. Instead, he focuses on achieving the maximum result. "I just stay neutral so I don't become overly optimistic or pessimistic," he says. "I hope that we can still win some races here and there. We still did that. We still won two races." 

However, he also sees how his competitors, especially McLaren, have made significant strides. "It is tough. But at the other end, you need to acknowledge that McLaren has done a fantastic job from last year to this year, also. And from our side, it's been a bit more difficult," Verstappen concludes.

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