Verstappen's Manager: McLaren's Mistakes Cost Norris the Title Sooner

Max Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has asserted that Lando Norris and McLaren should have secured the 2025 Drivers' Championship much earlier, pointing to a series of errors by the Woking-based team. Despite Verstappen's heroic, late-season charge that fell just two points short, Vermeulen believes the title fight was kept alive primarily by McLaren's own stumbles, not just Red Bull's resurgence.

Why it matters:

This commentary reframes the narrative of one of the most thrilling F1 seasons in recent memory. It shifts focus from solely Red Bull's late-season comeback to suggest that McLaren's operational inconsistencies prevented them from dominating a year where they often had the fastest package on track. The remarks add a layer of "what if" to the championship battle, highlighting how fine the margins are at the pinnacle of motorsport.

The details:

• Vermeulen was lavish in his praise for Verstappen, calling his season "a work of art" after the Dutchman fought to stay in contention despite Red Bull's mid-season difficulties.
• He directly stated that McLaren "made a lot more mistakes" and that with their car, Norris "should have become champion much earlier, of course."
• Verstappen's efforts were widely recognized, as he was voted the season's best driver by both his fellow F1 drivers and team principals, a testament to his individual performance.
• The praise extended to legendary figures, with 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve suggesting Verstappen has the potential to win seven or eight titles if he remains motivated.

Looking Ahead:

While the 2025 season is over, Vermeulen's comments will linger, adding pressure on McLaren to refine their operations and capitalize on their performance potential in 2026. For Verstappen and Red Bull, the narrow defeat serves as a testament to their fighting spirit and sets the stage for another intense battle next year, with both teams knowing that flawless execution could be the deciding factor.