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Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen recently sparked intrigue by hinting at a tantalizing "what if" scenario: What would unfold if he swapped his Red Bull seat for a McLaren cockpit? The Dutch driver, chasing a historic fifth consecutive title, has had a mixed start to the 2025 season. After securing second in Australia, fourth in China, and a hard-fought victory at Suzuka—where he fended off McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri—Verstappen’s championship momentum is building.
Amid whispers of a potential Red Bull exit, the 27-year-old has dismissed rumors linking him to McLaren. However, in a recent twist, he playfully teased the impact of such a switch, leaving fans eager for answers.
Max Verstappen’s tongue-in-cheek take on McLaren’s speed
Despite McLaren’s MCL39 emerging as the fastest car this season, Verstappen’s Suzuka triumph proved that raw pace isn’t everything. When asked about his ability to challenge McLaren’s dominance, the Red Bull star couldn’t resist a humorous jab.
“I’m very happy with what I’m doing right now,” he told Viaplay, before quipping, “But I could think what would happen when I would be in that other car.” Pressed to clarify if he meant McLaren, Max Verstappen grinned, “Yes, you wouldn’t see me anymore!”
A reporter swiftly retorted, “You’d have been in Tokyo already!”—a nod to Suzuka’s proximity to the Japanese capital.
“Exactly!” Verstappen laughed, highlighting his confidence in McLaren’s superior machinery.
While the remark was lighthearted, it underscored a serious truth: Red Bull’s RB21 struggles to match McLaren’s aerodynamic efficiency. Verstappen later admitted in the post-race press conference,
“We know our limitations. It’s still not fixed, but we’re grinding to push against that boundary.”
His Suzuka victory, carved out through precision and tire management, showcased his ability to extract maximum performance from an underdog car.
Lando Norris Weighs In: “Nothing Surprises Me About Max”
McLaren’s Norris, now leading the championship by a single point, refused to downplay
his rival’s prowess. When asked if Verstappen’s Suzuka drive shocked him, the Briton shrugged. “People expect me to say yes, but why? I know how good he is,” Norris stated. “Some days he’ll come out on top; others, I will. That’s racing.”
His respect for Max Verstappen’s skill hints at a season-long duel where strategy and adaptability could outweigh car advantages.
The road ahead
With three races down, the title fight remains delicately poised. Verstappen’s ability to “find those great laps” in suboptimal conditions keeps Red Bull in contention, while McLaren’s technical edge demands relentless innovation from their rivals.
As the circus heads to Europe, one question lingers: Can Max Verstappen’s mastery bridge the gap, or will McLaren’s speed eventually pull clear? For now, the Dutchman’s blend of humor and grit ensures this battle is as captivating off-track as it is on it.
