Verstappen's 'Demons' Cited as Key Factor in Narrow F1 Title Loss

Max Verstappen narrowly lost the F1 drivers' championship to Lando Norris by a mere two points, a defeat attributed not only to Red Bull's early-season car struggles but also to his own "demons." Former Alpine executive Marcin Budkowski suggests that while Verstappen's comeback was outstanding, critical driver errors, particularly a moment of "red mist" in Barcelona, were decisive in the final standings.

Why it matters:

This analysis reframes the title fight beyond simple car performance, highlighting the immense psychological pressure and razor-thin margins in modern F1. It underscores that even for a driver of Verstappen's caliber, self-control can be as crucial as raw speed, and a single incident can define an entire season.

The details:

• The Final Margin: Verstappen finished the season just two points behind Norris, a gap that could have been easily overturned.
• Two-Fold Failure: Budkowski pointed to a combination of Red Bull's car being uncompetitive for a large part of the season and Verstappen's own mistakes.
• The Decisive Incident: The collision with George Russell in Barcelona, where Verstappen was penalized, cost him nine points—the exact difference between winning and losing the title.
• A "Serial Winner": Despite the loss, Budkowski praised Verstappen's season as "outstanding," cementing his status as F1's top driver and noting that the defeat would undoubtedly sting a competitor of his nature.

The big picture:

The season finale in Abu Dhabi, while not the most thrilling race, was filled with immense tension, according to Budkowski. He compared it to a 0-0 World Cup final, where the stakes kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The broader context was a remarkably competitive season that exceeded expectations, culminating in a title fight where all three contenders could have been considered worthy champions.