Verstappen says the 2025 contest 'doesn't seem like a battle.'
"I simply aim to do my best and have some fun."
Max Verstappen is not optimistic that the flexi-wing regulations in Barcelona will impact McLaren’s performance. Opinions among insiders and experts in the paddock are divided on whether McLaren, known for their flexible front wings that pass FIA testing, will experience a slowdown. "McLaren isn’t likely to end up in P8," Alpine’s Pierre Gasly remarked with a smile, "and we won't find ourselves at the front either." Currently, McLaren's drivers, led by Oscar Piastri, hold positions P1 and P2 in the drivers’ championship, while Red Bull’s Verstappen is in third place. "I don't anticipate any significant gains or losses for any teams," the Dutchman stated in Barcelona.
Lando Norris shares this view, with Piastri noting, "Our secret is that we have no secret." However, Norris believes it would be "silly" to dismiss four-time world champion Verstappen so early in the season. Verstappen responded, "Honestly, it doesn’t feel like a fight to me. I just try to do my best and have a bit of fun." An upgrade package helped him secure pole and a win in Imola, but he fell to P4 during the Monaco race last weekend. Regardless, the 27-year-old insists he won’t give up. "I always fight - that never changes," Verstappen asserted. "But that doesn’t imply that I find it enjoyable or that I love it. I like it, but it’s not something I will cherish for years to come. I have more fun when I'm winning consistently. I think that’s obvious," he smiled.
Barcelona is definitely more akin to an Imola-style circuit than the distinctly unique Monaco, but Verstappen commented, "I’m not really sure if we were very strong in Imola or if McLaren was weaker than normal." Finally, Verstappen revealed that he recently asked the FIA for a classification in GT3 racing. The governing body concluded that he qualifies for the highest classification - Platinum. "You fill out a form, pay, and a week later you receive the result," he explained. "I was secretly hoping for a Bronze classification. Maybe I’ll appeal the Platinum classification and at least aim for Silver," Verstappen joked.
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