Max Verstappen fires at McLaren and sparks 2025 controversy

The 2025 season delivered plenty of drama, and Max Verstappen added his own spice. The Red Bull driver mocked McLaren’s strategic blunders, which, despite bringing titles, nearly cost them dearly. In a festive team video, the Dutchman received a chessboard and linked it to Formula 1, recalling how McLaren threw away a one-two in Qatar with poor race management.

True to his style, Max Verstappen joked that he should send the gift to McLaren since they needed more strategy than him. The remark captured the tension built throughout the year and showed how the champion enjoys drawing lines both on and off the track.

The echo of his words

Max Verstappen had already criticized McLaren’s decisions during the season, including the controversial driver swap in Italy after Lando Norris’ failed pit stop. While he initially focused on his own performance, by year’s end he didn’t hesitate to highlight his rivals’ mistakes.

According to Firstsportz, Verstappen’s jab became one of the most talked-about comments of the season finale, proving that even champions can expose the pressure of strategy.

Looking ahead

Max Verstappen isn’t only focused on the past. He also spoke about the new regulations set to arrive in 2026. On the Talking Bull podcast, he noted that the next-generation cars sound cleaner and sharper, something that excites him even if it doesn’t guarantee better performance.

The Dutchman admitted that simulator runs have felt promising and hopes to start the new cycle with the same momentum he built in the second half of 2025.

Red Bull and stability

For now, Max Verstappen is enjoying the offseason with his family, but he knows the challenge will be maintaining dominance in a field with no clear favorite. Red Bull, under new leadership, has found stability and aims to extend its reign.

With his direct and competitive style, Verstappen made it clear he will remain a central figure. Between jokes and victories, Max Verstappen continues to shape the narrative of a driver who doesn’t just race—he sets the tone for Formula 1.