Peter Windsor has named Max Verstappen as the ideal driver in Formula 1, dubbing him “obviously Verstappen.” The 28-year-old Dutch racer has already clinched four World Championships and is considered one of the best drivers in the sport’s history. Despite a challenging start to the 2025 season with Red Bull Racing, Verstappen has shown exceptional talent and skill, winning key races and positioning himself for another title chance.
Verstappen’s 2025 Season Journey
The 2025 season began on a shaky note for Verstappen and his team, which was then led by Christian Horner. The RB21 lacked the competitive speed needed to face off against rivals McLaren, whose drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, dominated the early races, winning six out of the first seven events.
However, the tide has turned recently. Verstappen secured a victory in Suzuka and Red Bull Racing has won three races since the summer break. Now, with five races remaining, Verstappen has narrowed the points gap to just 40 behind Piastri.
Windsor’s Insights on Verstappen
Pete Windsor believes Verstappen exemplifies what it means to be an elite driver. In discussing driver performance, Windsor emphasized that managing all aspects of the car, from temperature to tire condition, is crucial. “Max is the standard; he excels in every area,” Windsor remarked.
Windsor highlighted how Verstappen’s unique driving style allows him to outperform his competitors, specifically noting how he corners effectively. “The other driver must adapt to how Verstappen tunes the car,” Windsor explained. He believes that if a teammate struggles, it reflects their own limitations rather than Verstappen’s skill.
Potential Challenges Ahead
As Verstappen fights for the championship, Windsor acknowledged that unpredictability in Formula 1 can always play a role. “The racing gods can turn against Verstappen at any moment,” he cautioned, suggesting that luck can impact his title bid.
Even amidst the challenges, Windsor believes Red Bull Racing has showcased its ability to succeed without a high-profile figure like Adrian Newey. Since Monza, the team has developed a remarkable car, reinforcing their competitiveness.
Current Standings and Outlook
- Driver: Max Verstappen
- Team: Red Bull Racing
- Current Championship Position: 40 points behind Oscar Piastri
- Remaining Races: 5
- Wins since Summer Break: 3
McLaren has already secured the constructor’s title, but Verstappen still aims for his fifth consecutive driver’s championship. With the season approaching its final stages, fans and analysts alike await to see if Verstappen can overcome the odds once again.
