Verstappen Reveals Aggressive Red Bull Setup Behind Title Comeback

Max Verstappen has attributed his remarkable title turnaround to an "aggressive" setup strategy with his Red Bull machine, enabled by significant upgrades. The team's recent form, marked by nine upgrades in the last ten Grands Prix, has seen Verstappen secure wins in Monza, Baku, and Austin.

Why it matters:

After a challenging first half of the 2025 season, Red Bull's resurgence and Verstappen's aggressive approach have reignited the championship battle. Clawing back a 104-point deficit to Lando Norris in just six races, Verstappen now sits only 36 points shy of the lead, demonstrating the critical impact of car development and driver confidence in Formula 1's fiercely competitive landscape.

The Details:

• Strategic Overhaul: Verstappen explained, "We tried a lot of things, and a lot of them did not work," highlighting the extensive trial-and-error process to revitalize their season.
• Upgrade Impact: The introduction of nine significant upgrades over the last ten Grands Prix has been pivotal. These enhancements "made it possible to run the car in a different configuration."
• Car Sensitivity: Verstappen emphasized the highly sensitive nature of F1 cars: "These cars are super sensitive, so if you are sliding a bit less, the tyres also work a bit better, and that gives you better race pace."
• Pace Unlocked: A combination of factors "just came together, which suddenly unlocked quite a bit more pace within the car."
• Confidence Boost: This newfound pace instilled greater confidence, allowing for a more "aggressive way" to set up the car, making it "a bit more on the nose, and without losing the rear."

Between the lines:

Red Bull's late-season upgrade push has sparked a war of words with rivals McLaren. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella suggested that Red Bull might be "happier to give up a little bit" on their 2026 machine due to the extensive updates applied so close to the current season's end. This hints at the ongoing balance teams must strike between current performance and future development.

What's next:

With the championship battle tightening, all eyes will be on how Verstappen and Red Bull maintain their momentum. The team's aggressive development strategy and Verstappen's confidence in the car's new setup could prove crucial in the remaining races. The outcome will not only determine the 2025 champion but also influence the strategic choices teams make regarding future car development, particularly in light of new regulations.