Verstappen reflects on fifth title hopes: “You can’t always win in Formula 1”

After years of dominance at the front of the Formula 1 grid, Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing are now finding themselves under real pressure. The reigning world champion’s ambitions for a fifth consecutive drivers’ title hit a major bump in the road last weekend at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where he could only manage a sixth-place finish—crossing the line more than half a minute behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

The race exposed some of the very weaknesses that Red Bull have been struggling to hide in recent months, particularly in hotter and more demanding conditions. In the immediate aftermath, Verstappen opened up about his frustration, the team’s struggles, and his realistic outlook on chasing another championship.

Red Bull’s weaknesses on display in Bahrain

Bahrain wasn’t just a bad day—it was a wake-up call. Red Bull’s pace was nowhere near where it needed to be, and Verstappen knew it. Despite pushing as hard as he could, the car just wasn’t able to compete at the sharp end of the field.

“Of course this isn’t where we want to be, but what can I do?” Verstappen admitted when speaking to reporters. “Shouting won’t change anything.”

He added: “Of course I would like to win the fifth title but unfortunately, you can’t always win.” It’s a rare moment of vulnerability and realism from a driver who’s made winning look routine over the last few seasons.

Verstappen’s honesty was refreshing, but also signalled a shift in tone. For the first time in a while, it seems like even he acknowledges that a fifth title is no longer in his hands.

Strategy meetings and upgrades: Red Bull in regroup mode

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Following the Bahrain disappointment, Red Bull quickly went back to the drawing board. Strategy meetings were held, and attention shifted toward the upcoming races. According to Verstappen, work is already underway at the factory to roll out improvements as soon as possible.

“It’s not realistic to say we’re going to make a big leap right now,” Verstappen said, downplaying any expectations of an immediate fix. “But we are trying to improve the lap time as much as possible.”

While it’s clear that the team has identified some of its issues, Verstappen remains cautiously optimistic: “Now at least we know what our problems are. Until Monza last year we didn’t know where to look or what to look for. Now it’s clearer, and that gives us hope to bring updates that can give balance to the car.”

It’s not just about going faster—it’s about bringing back the kind of balance and confidence that made the Red Bull car so dominant in recent seasons.

The Rob Marshall effect and McLaren’s rise

Another topic Verstappen didn’t shy away from was the remarkable progress of McLaren, and in particular, the influence of Rob Marshall—a former Red Bull veteran who moved to McLaren last year.

“Yeah, I think that’s the one that makes the difference,” Verstappen said. “Once I joined the team, it was pretty clear what was happening.”

Marshall, known for his creative aerodynamic solutions and especially for his work on flexible wing designs, has brought a wealth of knowledge to McLaren. Under his guidance, McLaren have taken a huge step forward and are now regularly battling near the front, which would have seemed unlikely just 18 months ago.

For Verstappen, it’s another reminder that the competition isn’t waiting around. “It’s difficult to say how much we will improve because the others are not standing still either,” he said.

Accepting the challenge ahead

Perhaps the most striking part of Verstappen’s reflections is the acceptance that the 2025 season may not end with another world title in his hands.

Yes, he’s still motivated. Yes, the desire to win is as strong as ever. But there’s also a sense of maturity—a recognition that dominance in Formula 1 can never be taken for granted.

“I want the fifth title,” Verstappen reiterated. “But you can’t always win.”

And he’s right. Formula 1 is cyclical. No team stays on top forever. Mercedes learned that. Ferrari have been through it. Now, Red Bull might be entering that phase, too. The key for Verstappen and the team will be how they respond—not just technically, but mentally.

What comes next for Verstappen and Red Bull?

With long seasons and fierce rivals in McLaren, Ferrari, and even signs of life from Mercedes, the road back to dominance won’t be easy. But Red Bull aren’t out of the fight just yet. Their strength over the past few years hasn’t just been in their speed—it’s been in their relentless consistency and adaptability.

As the season rolls on and upgrades begin to hit the track, we’ll see whether Red Bull can close the gap and give Verstappen the tools he needs to get back in the championship hunt.

In the meantime, fans are witnessing a different side of Max Verstappen—one that’s more reflective, more grounded, but no less driven. And that might just be the version of him that’s most dangerous of all.