Max Verstappen. Photo: Race Pictures

Verstappen highlights Red Bull's key trait to unlocking underdog title hopes

15:30, 01 Dec

byDrew Murphy

Max Verstappen revealed Red Bull’s key trait that can help them take down Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and win the 2025 Drivers’ Championship.

“When strategy maybe comes into play or making the right calls at the right time, we might have the opportunity.”

- Max Verstappen

The four-time world champion understands that Red Bull’s pace may not be on the same level as the two McLaren’s but pace alone cannot win Formula 1 races.

Speaking to the media post-race, he said: “Like I said before, you need to also be realistic, that I think on pure pace, we’re not at the same level.

“But at the same time, when strategy maybe comes into play or making the right calls at the right time, we might have the opportunity.

verstappen-celebrating-qatar-red-bull-jpg

Photo: Race Pictures

Verstappen was asked how hopeful he was feeling about the RB21’s potential in Abu Dhabi.

He replied: “I have no idea. I mean, again, I hope that we start the weekend well.

“That would help a lot. I think on pure pace, it will be tough, but a race like today also shows that it's not always straightforward, a Grand Prix, and a lot of things can happen. So I’m probably relying a little bit on that."

The ruthlessness we have seen from Verstappen’s last four seasons will keep the two McLaren drivers awake at night.

Verstappen rarely missteps, and that is why he was never out of the chase.

Photo: Race Pictures

Mekies is confident in Verstappen’s ability

Red Bull team principal, Laurent Mekies, pointed out that their strategy will remain the same and the Dutchman will make sure he does what he can to win.

Mekies said: “What we need to do in Abu Dhabi is what we needed to do here. We need to put the car in the right window. As you can see, it’s not exactly straightforward every race weekend.

“And then if we do that, Max can fight for the win.

“He’s going to extract more out of the tyres than most people out there.”

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