Pink Bull’s Max Verstappen entered the 2025 F1 season because the defending champion however has struggled for the reason that opening rounds. Because the yr progressed, challenges solely mounted. Talking on the Hungarian GP, Verstappen identified the positives the workforce can carry into 2026 regardless of the present setbacks.
After a dominant 2023 season—the place Verstappen claimed 19 wins from 22 races and teammate Sergio Perez secured two extra—Pink Bull’s supremacy started to fade. McLaren’s mid-season upgrades in 2024 introduced them degree, sparking a good title battle between Lando Norris and Verstappen.
McLaren overtook Pink Bull within the constructors’ standings final yr and entered 2025 ready to guide the sector. That has been the case, with Oscar Piastri and Norris separated by fewer than 10 factors heading into the summer season break.
Verstappen initially seemed to be a title contender this yr, however the RB21’s inconsistent efficiency from observe to trace has diminished these hopes. His struggles have been evident on the Belgian GP—historically a robust venue for him—and continued in Hungary.
Trying forward, Verstappen acknowledged the problem:
“Nobody actually is aware of for subsequent yr the place they are going to be at. And for us this yr, realistically it’s going to be very troublesome to battle McLaren. I feel it’s already troublesome sufficient to battle with Ferrari and Mercedes.”
He emphasised the significance of profiting from 2025 to profit subsequent yr’s marketing campaign:
“However I feel there’s nonetheless plenty of alternative to study extra concerning the automotive and the behaviour of the automotive. In fact, I do know that the automobiles will likely be totally different subsequent yr, however there are nonetheless issues that you may take out of this yr on the engineering facet of issues and in addition implement for subsequent yr.”
Hungarian GP struggles
Verstappen’s weekend in Hungary was difficult from the beginning. He complained of getting no grip throughout follow—describing it as “driving on ice”—and failed to interrupt into the High 5 in qualifying.
A two-stop technique within the race additional damage his possibilities, leaving him unable to get well positions.
“Like my complete weekend, there was simply no grip and I used to be simply struggling so much. Not how we wish to be, however I knew it was going to be a troublesome day,” he stated.
Verstappen in the end crossed the road in P9, ending behind Liam Lawson and Lance Stroll.