Max Verstappen tempers hopes amid Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri fight

Reigning champion Max Verstappen admits only “tracks where you can’t pass” offer a realistic shot at beating McLaren in 2025.



After Oscar Piastri’s hat-trick of victories vaulted the Australian 32 points clear, Verstappen concedes circuit characteristics, not raw pace, may dictate any Red Bull comeback.



The Championship Landscape



McLaren’s MCL40 has claimed five of six races, leaving Piastri and Lando Norris first and second.



Red Bull’s RB21 struggles with tyre degradation and corner-entry instability, widening race-pace deficits despite respectable qualifying speed.







Where Hope Remains



Speaking to reporters, Verstappen said, “Maybe on tracks where you can’t pass, you do have a chance. We’ll see—Monaco, maybe.” Street circuits like Monaco and Singapore punish poor qualifying more than outright race rhythm, potentially masking McLaren’s long-run edge.



Red Bull’s Development Path



Engineers target aerodynamic tweaks for slow-speed traction and a lighter floor to recapture agility lost under cost-cap constraints. However, technical chief Pierre Wache warns that “miracle” updates are unlikely before mid-season.



McLaren’s Perspective



Team principal Andrea Stella expressed surprise at the Miami winning margin, attributing it to tyre-temperature mastery in hot conditions. Yet he downplayed championship foregone conclusions, citing Red Bull’s upgrade rate and Mercedes’ lurking threat.




#F1 driver blames Lewis Hamilton for being fired https://t.co/V8dMH5kmWW — Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) May 11, 2025




Psychological Dynamics



Verstappen’s candour contrasts with earlier seasons of bullish declarations.



Observers see a pragmatic champion trying to relieve internal pressure and rally engineers around targeted wins rather than chasing every trophy.



Looking Ahead to Europe



Imola and Barcelona may reveal whether Red Bull’s planned floor package shortens gaps. Without gains, Verstappen could indeed rely on Monaco’s cramped barriers to claw back morale with a statement win.
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