Max Verstappen has addressed the long-standing belief that Red Bull’s Formula One car is specifically designed to fit his driving style. Since 2019, the Dutch driver has dominated, securing 60 wins and four world championships, consistently outperforming his Red Bull teammates.
Even with Red Bull facing performance challenges this season, Verstappen has outshone teammates Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, contributing 187 points out of the team’s 194 total. The difficulties experienced by his teammates have fueled the theory that the car is tailored exclusively for Verstappen’s preferences.
However, Verstappen dismisses this notion. He explained to former Top Gear presenter Chris Harris on the Ford Performance YouTube channel that he adapts to the car’s characteristics rather than the other way around. Verstappen said, “I adapt to what I have. It’s not something I like, it’s something I have,” adding that although the car is fast to handle, it’s not necessarily how he would prefer it.
Red Bull’s technical director Pierre Waché also denied the car was developed solely with Verstappen in mind. Waché stated last year, “We didn’t intend to develop this specifically for Max, but as a driver, he can handle a less balanced car. Our job is to move away from that and use setups to make the car faster.”
Verstappen’s former teammate Alex Albon compared Red Bull’s handling to a sensitive computer cursor, emphasizing Verstappen’s unique driving style. Albon noted on a high-performance podcast in late 2023 that while many believe the car is built around Verstappen like Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher, the reality is the car is simply what it is, and Max’s exceptional speed comes from his distinct driving skills.
Despite being out of the world championship race, Verstappen delivered excellent performances in 2025, securing pole positions in Japan, Saudi Arabia, Miami, and Silverstone. He is also the only non-McLaren driver to win at Suzuka and Imola this season. Verstappen described himself as a “pretty perfectionist,” rarely feeling fully satisfied with his efforts. He stated, “I want to be the best for myself; I’m quite perfectionist, and it’s never enough. If I can say to myself ‘It’s pretty good,’ that’s rare.”
Fan Take: This insight into Verstappen’s approach sheds light on the immense adaptability and mental toughness required at the highest level of Formula One. For racing fans, it’s a reminder that success in the sport comes not just from the machinery but from the driver’s skill and mindset, which keeps the competition thrilling and unpredictable.
