The Formula 1 world is eagerly awaiting the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on May 16-18, 2025, where Max Verstappen has vowed to take revenge on McLaren after their dominant performance this season. In an interview with GPFans on May 14, 2025, the four-time world champion stated that he has “prepared everything” to beat McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Imola circuit. Verstappen, who is currently third in the championship with 99 points, ignored the recent criticism from the FIA and vowed to do his utmost to bring Red Bull back to the top. His determination has further increased the tension for the upcoming race, especially after the controversies surrounding his driving style and McLaren’s technical superiority.
Verstappen’s announcement comes after a challenging season in which McLaren won five of the six races, including a crushing 1-2 victory in Miami, where Piastri and Norris finished 37 and 40 seconds ahead of Verstappen respectively. According to Motorsport.com , McLaren excels in tyre management, particularly at high tyre degradation, an area where Red Bull’s RB21 lags behind. Verstappen’s only win this season, in Japan, came at Suzuka, a circuit with minimal tyre degradation, where he defended pole position. In Miami, Norris expressed frustration with Verstappen’s aggressive defending, calling it “not smart” and suggesting it cost them their chance of a 1-2. Verstappen hit back in his interview, saying he is focused on his own race and not on “distractions like FIA feedback”.
The FIA has repeatedly scrutinized Verstappen this season, particularly after incidents such as his collision with Norris in Miami, where he made a braking error at Turn 1. According to The Athletic , it led to a 10-second penalty in the sprint race for an unsafe pit release, which damaged his points standings. The FIA’s guidelines, tightened after controversies in 2024, prohibit drivers from making statements that are “damaging” to the federation, something Verstappen alluded to on ESPN when he said he had to “be careful” with his commentary. Despite the restrictions, Verstappen has remained combative, with support from Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, who has praised his ability to perform under pressure.
Verstappen’s plan for Imola revolves around maximising the RB21’s strengths, such as braking performance and grip in low-speed corners, as highlighted in The Race . Red Bull will also be hoping to benefit from the upcoming FIA rule change on flexible front wings, which will be more tightly enforced from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards. According to GP33 , McLaren’s MCL39 will benefit from these flexible wings, which will increase their top speed. Jos Verstappen criticised the FIA’s delay in implementing the rules, calling it “stupid” that McLaren has an advantage until June. Max himself remained diplomatic, saying: “I don’t make the rules, but we’ll see what Imola brings.”
The rivalry with McLaren is further fuelled by the psychological battle between the teams. McLaren boss Andrea Stella admitted in Autosport that their car is faster, but that Norris and Piastri have struggled to take consistent pole position, partly due to Verstappen’s superior qualifying skills. Horner highlighted Verstappen’s “unique talent” to deliver under pressure, which has earned him three poles in six races. On X, fans are divided, with @F1FanNL backing Verstappen’s determination, while @Dorapeinet warns that his aggressive approach carries risks, especially after the Nürburgring controversy where Ralf Schumacher called him “not smart”.
Imola, a circuit steeped in history and featuring challenging corners such as Acque Minerali, offers Verstappen a chance to make good on his words. His preparation includes intensive simulator training and strategic coordination with Red Bull, which plans upgrades to make the RB21 more competitive. Still, McLaren remain favourites, with Piastri (131 points) and Norris (115 points) leading the championship. The dynamic within McLaren, where there is no clear number one driver, could provide Verstappen with an opening if he disrupts their strategy.
Verstappen’s determination to exact revenge is a reflection of his unyielding nature, which has earned him both admiration and criticism. As the Formula 1 community prepares for Imola, the question hangs in the air: can Verstappen break McLaren’s dominance, or will he once again be overshadowed by the papaya cars? His promise to give it his all, regardless of FIA criticism, promises to be a spectacle at one of Europe’s most iconic circuits.
