The Formula 1 world is eagerly looking forward to the Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna on 16-18 May 2025, where Max Verstappen has promised to take revenge on McLaren after their dominant performance this season. In an interview withGPFansOn May 14, 2025, the four-time world champion stated that he “has prepared everything” to beat the McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on the Imola circuit. Verstappen, who is currently third in the championship with 99 points, ignored the recent criticism of the FIA and promised 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 around his driving style and the technical superiority of McLaren.
Verstappen’s announcement comes after a challenging season in which McLaren won five of the six races, with a crushing 1-2 victory in Miami, where Piastri and Norris finished 37 and 40 seconds for Verstappen respectively. According toMotorsport.comMcLaren excels in tire management, especially with high tire wear, an area where Red Bull’s RB21 is lagging behind. Verstappen’s only victory this season, in Japan, was on Suzuka, a circuit with minimal tire degradation, where he defended pole position. In Miami, Norris expressed frustration about Verstappen’s aggressive defense, called it “not smart” and suggested that it cost their chance of a 1-2. Verstappen bounced back in his interview, saying that he focuses on his own race and not on “distractions such as FIA feedback”.
The FIA has repeatedly examined Verstappen this season, especially after incidents such as his collision with Norris in Miami, where he made a braking error at bend 1. According toThe AthleticThis led to a 10-second punishment in the sprinting due to an unsafe pit release, which damaged its points classification. The FIA’s guidelines, sharpened after controversies in 2024, prohibit drivers statements that “harm” the federation, something that Verstappen inESPNOn alludinating when he said he “should be careful” with comments. Despite these limitations, Verstappen remains combative, with the support of Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, who praises his ability to perform under pressure.
Verstappen’s plan for Imola is all about maximizing the RB21’s strengths, such as braking performance and grip in low-speed bends, as emphasized inThe Race. Red Bull also hopes on the benefit of the upcoming FIA rule change on flexible front wings, which is more stricter from the Grand Prix of Spain. According toGP33McLaren’s MCL39 benefits from these flexible wings, which increases their top speed. Jos Verstappen criticized the FIAs delay in applying these rules, calling the “stupid” that McLaren benefits 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 fueled by the psychological struggle between the teams. McLaren boss Andrea Stella recognized inAutosportThat their car is faster, but that Norris and Piastri have difficulty taking pole consistent, partly through Verstappen’s superior qualification skills. Horner emphasized Verstappen’s “unique talent” to put pressure under pressure, which earned him three poles in six races. Fans are divided on X: @F1FANNL supports StaPPEN’s determination, while @dorapeinet warns that his aggressive approach entails risks, especially after the Nürburgring-Controverse where Ralf Schumacher called him “not smart”.
Imola, a circuit with a rich history and challenging turns such as Acque Minerali, offers Verstappen an opportunity to make his words come true. His preparation includes intensive simulatortraining and strategic coordination with Red Bull, which is planning upgrades to make the RB21 more competitive. Yet McLaren remains a favorite, with Piastri (131 points) and Norris (115 points) in the lead in the championship. The dynamics within McLaren, where there is no clear number 1 driver, can offer Verstappen an opening if he disrupts their strategy.
Verstappen’s determination to take revenge reflects his rigid character, which gives him both admiration and criticism. While the Formula 1 community is preparing for Imola, the question is in the air: Can Verstappen break McLaren’s dominance, or will it be overshadowed again by the Papaya cars? His promise to give everything, regardless of FIA criticism, promises a spectacle on one of Europe’s most iconic circuits.
