Jenson Button has observed a shift in Max Verstappen’s attitude as the Red Bull driver competes with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the 2025 F1 drivers’ title.
This year, Verstappen could join Michael Schumacher as the only driver to win five consecutive titles. He has turned what looked like an impossible situation into a real chance, closing what was once a 104-point gap.
After round 15 at Zandvoort, Piastri had more than four Grand Prix wins over Verstappen. But since then, the Red Bull driver has chipped away at that lead across each of the last five races.
The floor and front wing upgrades have played their part too. And with just four rounds to go, Jenson Button thinks Verstappen is right back in it – and with nothing to lose – as he chases that fifth consecutive crown.
Jenson Button comments on growing Max Verstappen support
It is not just Verstappen’s form that is catching Button’s eye. The 2009 world champion has also picked up on how public opinion has shifted around him. According to Button, “almost everyone” is backing Verstappen these days, a far cry from the criticism he used to face.
In past seasons, both fans and pundits have often raised concerns regarding his driving style. For instance, following the 2024 Mexico City GP, where he exceeded track limits twice during his battle with Norris, Damon Hill publicly questioned Verstappen’s approach to wheel-to-wheel racing.
“Verstappen, who is exceptional. I think he’s the best Max ever. After all these years, it’s funny to see almost everyone supporting Max and to notice how some have short memories,” Button stated (via Autosprint).
“I’m not one to bet, but I have to say that Max has nothing to lose. He doesn’t have the best car, but he’s won four titles and is the most relaxed in this world championship fight.”
Max Verstappen’s title underdog status in 2025 may have helped him win more fans
It has been a while since Verstappen was viewed as the underdog, with his last run of four titles casting him as the clear front-runner for most of his recent career. The shift in perception may be helping to turn more support his way.
His constant drive to test the limits on track and a willingness to race outside Formula 1 also add to that growing appeal. The Dutchman made his GT3 debut at the Nürburgring this September and did not just participate – he won the race, further showing just how much he enjoys being behind the wheel.
Johnny Herbert, who has often criticised Verstappen in the past, admitted he has come around this season, especially after his aggressive move against Hamilton at Mexico City, calling it a prime example of what makes him such an edge-of-the-seat driver.
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