How Verstappen’s ‘idiot’ comment captures Red Bull’s revival

Max Verstappen has gone from writing off his title hopes to storming back into the 2025 Formula 1 championship fight – and even he can hardly believe it.

After clinching his fifth win of the season at the United States Grand Prix, the Dutchman admitted he would’ve dismissed anyone who predicted such a turnaround only a few months ago, and called him an “idiot” in the process.

Verstappen’s victory at Austin last weekend – his third since the summer break and fifth overall this season – has slashed his deficit to Oscar Piastri in the Drivers’ standings to just 40 points. In the span of four race weekends, he’s clawed back a remarkable 64 points and reignited the chase for a fifth consecutive world title.

Asked whether he would have believed such a recovery was possible after his home race in Zandvoort, Verstappen delivered a candid reply.

“No. I would have told him he was an idiot!” he said.

Finding the Sweet Spot

So, what sparked Red Bull’s remarkable turnaround? Verstappen credits a blend of car upgrades and a deeper understanding of the RB21’s setup.

“We found a good way with the car. It's simple as that,” he said.

“Of course, we put some upgrades on the car, but we just understood our car a bit better as well – where we wanted it to perform better.

“Every weekend we try to achieve it. Some weekends it's better than others, but in general it's been way more straightforward the last few weekends compared to those races before.”

The turnaround has been built on Red Bull’s newfound composure and consistency. After struggling earlier in the season to match McLaren’s outright pace, Verstappen and his engineers have hit their stride – and the results show it.

A “perfect weekend” – with a dose of reality

Austin was vintage Verstappen: sharp off the line, ruthless in traffic, and serene once in control. But while the reigning champion described it as a “perfect weekend,” he was quick to stress that McLaren’s speed remains a real threat.

“What was crucial was the first stint in which I could build a bit of a gap,” he said. “After that, it basically stabilised pretty much after the pitstop until the end.

“I think tyre management was very important, and it wasn't very straightforward because there were some laps where you had a very different feeling or balance, grip – better or worse. It's one of those days when you just need to try and make no mistakes.”

The Red Bull ace acknowledged that the duel between Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc played into his hands, buying him crucial breathing room.

“I think then it would have been a very close race,” Verstappen said. “Every time that Lando was in clean air, we were very evenly matched. Maybe at times he was a bit faster as well. So it wouldn't have been the gap that it was at the end.”

Even with a dominant display, Verstappen admitted there’s still work to do.

“It was a bit better today, even though it's still not where I wanted it to be.”

Eyes on a fifth straight crown

Despite his humility, Verstappen knows he’s now firmly back in the hunt for a title that would put him alongside the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio in the record books. But he’s under no illusions about what it will take.

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“We need to be perfect until the end to have a chance,” he declared. “We caught up a lot, but at the same time, the gaps are very small. Every weekend you need to try and be perfect, and that's what we'll try to do until the end.”

Perfect might just be the word. Verstappen’s resurgence has transformed what once looked like McLaren’s title to lose into a nail-biting fight – and if his current form is any indication, the “idiot” would now look like anyone betting against him.

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