Max ahead of Silverstone: 'We'll try to maximise'

Published on 03 July 2025 by Stefan Meens

Ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, Max Verstappen addressed the international media in the Silverstone paddock, a week after an eventful Austrian Grand Prix.

“The result in Austria wasn’t good. It didn’t go well, and we had bad luck. However, I don’t think we would’ve been able to take the fight to McLaren, but we could’ve had a good result”, said Max who also dismissed the various rumours going round the paddock and media. “I just focus on what’s in front of me and I’m working with the team. There are a lot of presumptions, but not by me. I have nothing to add.”

2026 will feature a significant regulation change, which could shake up the current performance patterns. “Nobody can say with certainty that they are confident for next year; there are so many question marks. But the only thing I have to do is drive fast. I’ve not driven the 2026-car in the simulator, but of course I’m involved and I see the data and feedback.”

Looking at the current season, the 2025 campaign has proven less successful for Max and the Oracle Red Bull Racing team. “It’s a complicated sport. We aren’t where we want to be, but we’re still fighting for podiums. It could’ve been worse. We’re working hard and are trying to find more pace in the car. Last year, we had issues with the balance. We had to understand what the issue was first and that will’ve had an influence on the development of this year’s car.”

The Dutchman continued saying: “We’ll do everything to be as competitive as possible, but it’s unlikely we’ll beat McLaren this year, but that’s how it goes in Formula 1. Sometimes you have dominant years, and some years you only win a few races, or none at all.”

Looking at the next three races before the summer break, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and the Hungaroring, Max remains realistic about the RB21’s pace at these tracks. “Some circuits will suit us better, but with the gap the way it is now, I don’t think we can win a race on pure pace.”

Previewing Silverstone, Max concluded: “Friday will be sunny, Saturday and Sunday will be cloudy with maybe a bit of rain. It’ll be interesting to see how we’ll perform. Hopefully we’ll have more luck than in Austria and more pace in order to be more competitive.”

Contest British GP: win a by Max Verstappen signed Red Bull Racing 2025 cap!