F1 Champion Damon Hill Assesses Max Verstappen's 'Relaxed' Title Charge

Max Verstappen has been described as "relaxed" and having "nothing to lose" by 1996 F1 champion Damon Hill, even as he closes in on Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the drivers' championship. Verstappen's resurgence, marked by a string of strong performances since the summer break, has dramatically shifted the title narrative.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's unexpected climb back into championship contention injects significant tension into the latter half of the F1 season. His perceived lack of pressure, combined with Red Bull's continued car development, poses a serious threat to McLaren, who have halted updates on their MCL39, focusing instead on the 2026 regulations.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Form: Since the F1 summer break, Verstappen has secured three wins and two second-place finishes in five Grands Prix, alongside a victory in the United States Sprint.
• Car Upgrades: The RB21 has received substantial upgrades, including a new floor and front wing introduced at the Italian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix, which have significantly improved its aerodynamic grip and balance.
• Championship Gap: Heading into the Mexico City Grand Prix, Verstappen has reduced a 104-point deficit to just 40 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri in merely four races.
• Hill's Assessment: Damon Hill observes that Verstappen's approach is key, noting he is "relaxed" and has "nothing to lose" in his pursuit of a fifth world title. Hill emphasizes that Verstappen isn't under the same level of pressure as Piastri and Norris.
• McLaren's Stance: McLaren, despite Verstappen's rising threat, has ceased development on their MCL39. Team principal Andrea Stella reiterated this decision, prioritizing resources for the 2026 season.
• Budget Cap Impact: Hill credits the budget cap for tightening the competition towards the season's end, suggesting it has successfully created a more level playing field.

The Big Picture:

The dynamic between Red Bull and McLaren highlights differing strategic approaches to car development under the budget cap. Red Bull's sustained investment in the RB21's current season performance contrasts sharply with McLaren's forward-looking strategy. This divergence has allowed Verstappen to become a major threat, leveraging a continuously improving car against rivals whose machinery is no longer evolving.

What's next:

With Verstappen's momentum and a refined RB21, the final races of the season are set to be a fierce battle. Hill, if forced to bet, would place his money on Max, citing his 'biggest threat' status. McLaren's decision to halt development will be under intense scrutiny as Piastri and Norris face increasing pressure to defend their championship positions with an unchanging car against a rapidly advancing challenger. The upcoming races, starting with Mexico City, will be critical in determining whether McLaren's long-term strategy pays off or if Verstappen's relentless pursuit will yield an unexpected fifth title.