There aren’t many drivers in Formula 1 who know what it takes to win a race quite like Max Verstappen.
Few drivers in Formula 1 history are as familiar with winning as Max Verstappen. By the time the 2025 season concluded at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver had secured the 71st victory of his career.
That total leaves only Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton ahead of him in the all-time wins list. Within Red Bull Racing, there is a growing belief that Verstappen possesses qualities even Hamilton cannot match, with car performance seen as the only real obstacle to a fifth world title.
Yet despite his success, Verstappen’s relationship with the podium has not always been straightforward.
Why Verstappen was once criticised for his celebrations
F1 photographer Darren Heath recently explained why Verstappen was once labelled “particularly poor” when it came to celebrating race wins. Speaking on the James Allen on F1 Podcast, Heath suggested that modern drivers often try to appear too composed in moments that once produced raw emotion.
He noted that Verstappen had a habit of turning away from the cameras, the media and even the crowd during podium ceremonies, which reduced the sense of connection with fans watching around the world. According to Heath, that detachment was especially noticeable given how dominant Verstappen had become.
However, Heath believes something changed during the latter part of the 2025 season. As Verstappen mounted a remarkable comeback from a significant points deficit, he appeared more expressive and visibly engaged on the podium — a shift that Heath described as both welcome and overdue.
A different Verstappen emerges at the end of 2025
That evolution in behaviour mirrors Verstappen’s own words as the season drew to a close. After a difficult low point at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished ninth and openly doubted Red Bull’s chances of further wins, Verstappen delivered one of the strongest comebacks of his career.
He went on to claim six victories after the summer break, including a run of three consecutive wins during the final triple-header. Although Lando Norris ultimately secured his first drivers’ championship, Verstappen’s post-race radio message in Abu Dhabi struck a notably positive tone, praising the team’s resilience and refusing to dwell on disappointment.
That response marked a contrast to earlier seasons, when Verstappen was less gracious in defeat. On the podium, he appeared relaxed and genuinely happy to savour another win, prompting speculation that he may be reassessing how he experiences success in Formula 1.
Whether this reflects a deeper shift in mindset or simply greater comfort with his place in the sport remains unclear. What is certain is that a more content Verstappen — winning races while carrying less emotional weight — could be an even more daunting prospect for his rivals.
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