Max Verstappen reflects on Red Bull departure post-title defeat: "Didn't feel great in the situation"

2025 Formula 1 season concluded with one of the most dramatic championship finales in recent memory, but for Max Verstappen, the end brought both heartbreak and clarity. After a tense three-way title fight in Abu Dhabi, the Dutch driver — who entered the season finale as a contender for his fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship — ultimately fell short by just two points.

As the dust settles, Verstappen has opened up about the internal struggles at Red Bull that influenced the rumors to part ways with the team.

A title lost by inches

Starting from pole, Verstappen knew the stakes were immense. He needed to beat Oscar Piastri, who lined up alongside him, while also hoping for a stroke of misfortune to hit Lando Norris, who began the race from third. Verstappen delivered on his part by securing the race victory, but the championship slipped through his fingers as Norris clinched his maiden Drivers’ title with 423 points, edging Verstappen’s tally of 421 points by a narrow margin. Piastri wrapped up the season in third with 410 points, completing McLaren’s dominant display.

For Max Verstappen, the defeat marked the end of a challenging yet resilient campaign. Despite the RB21’s persistent struggles early in the year, he launched one of the most impressive comebacks in championship history. From the Dutch Grand Prix onward, he consistently finished on the podium — often against the odds — and kept himself in the title hunt against a McLaren team running at near-perfect form.

Red Bull’s turbulent season behind the scenes

While the on-track battles captured headlines, Red Bull’s internal turmoil became its own major storyline. The mid-season dismissal of long-time team principal Christian Horner triggered uncertainty within the camp, fueling speculation about Verstappen’s future. With the car underperforming and leadership in flux, rumors of his potential exit gained traction.