Sebastian Vettel believes Max Verstappen and Red Bull still have what it takes to reclaim control of the 2025 title fight.
Sebastian Vettel believes Max Verstappen is still very much in the hunt for the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship—despite Red Bull’s early struggles with their RB21.
While McLaren’s MCL39, driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, has taken center stage so far this season, Vettel isn’t writing off the reigning champion just yet.
“I’m still following F1 from my couch,” Vettel said with a smile, “and I’ve got a few well-placed friends in the paddock keeping me informed.”
The four-time world champion admitted he’s a big admirer of Verstappen—who, like him, has four titles to his name—and revealed that their connection has grown stronger since Max’s record-breaking 2023 season, when he won 19 out of 22 races and strung together 10 consecutive victories, breaking Vettel’s own streak from 2013.
“I got back in touch with him when he was close to breaking my record,” Vettel recalled. “I told him, ‘You’re better than me. I know you’re going to beat it.’ He said, ‘I’m not sure.’ Then, of course, he did it—he got to ten!”
Although Verstappen and Red Bull haven’t had the strongest start this year—with McLaren looking quicker in both pace and consistency—Vettel remains confident in Max’s ability to turn things around.
“If anyone can bounce back, it’s Max—and Red Bull,” he said. “I’ve heard good things from within the team. There’s a sense of belief and confidence that they can recover.”
Vettel is also excited by the battle shaping up at the front.
“Right now, it’s great to watch. Lando’s really come into his own. He’s got the talent, and now he has the experience to back it up. This could be his best season yet.”
“But you can never rule Max out. And I believe Red Bull will bounce back.”
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Vettel Backs Verstappen to Bounce Back in Title Battle. f1 2025 Vettel Backs Verstappen to Bounce Back in Title Battle.
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