The Formula -1 World buzzes with excitement after a turbulent first half of the season, and Max Verstappen is again the focus of attention. The four -time world champion has the upcoming Grand Prix of Belgium in sight, where he promises to take revenge on McLaren. After a number of challenging races and the latest controversy, including negative feedback from the FIA, Verstappen was determined to show what he and Red Bull Racing on the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack are able. His words after the Grand Prix Great Britain were clear: “I am prepared for everything and will give everything.”
The 2025 season is anything but smooth for Verstappen and Red Bull. McLaren has developed as the power to beat, and Lando Norris and Oscar Piatri, who at a time do a strong performance. During the Grand Prix of Great Britain, McLaren booked an impressive double victory, with Norris winning his home race and Piatri finished second. Verstappen, who achieved a disappointing fifth place in Silverstone after a spider under the moist conditions, saw his deficit in the championship on 49 points behind Piatri. This setback, combined with a dramatic race in Austria, where it was already eliminated in the third corner by a collision with Kimi Antonelli, has significantly increased the pressure on the Dutchman.

The recent controversy around Verstappen did not make the situation easier. After the Grand Prix in Singapore, he received a punishment from the FIA for the use of inappropriate language use during a press conference. This sanction, which, among other things, ended the now fired Steward Johnny Herbert, led to a boycott of the official FIA press moments of Verstappen. Instead, he answered questions from journalists outside the official environment. The situation escalated when the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association sent a letter to the FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who, however, maintained new criminal behavior for misconduct. Verstappen finally hit his sentence by doing civilian service in Rwanda, but the tensions with the FIA stay felt. Nevertheless, he cannot be discouraged: “I concentrate on race and leave the rest of the others.”

The Grand Prix of Belgium offers Verstappen the opportunity to strike back. The SPA circuit with its long straight parts and challenging curves is traditionally good. Red Bull has announced upgrades for the RB21, which according to the technical director Pierre Waché is decisive to tackle the equilibrium problems of the car. After a disappointing 2024, in which McLaren existed after a strong upgrade package in Miami Red Bull, the team hopes to be competitive again in the spa. Verstappen himself is optimistic: “We worked hard on the car and I think we can take one step forward in Belgium.”

The rivalry with McLaren gives the race additional tension. According to Silverstone, Verstappen expressed his frustration about a punishment that Piatri imposed, which he described “extremely”. At the same time, he continues to respect his competitors: “McLaren is strong, but we don’t give up.” His determination reflects the mentality that brought him four world titles. Despite the speculation about a possible move to Mercedes, fed with Toto Wolff and rumors about unrest within Red Bull after the resignation of team boss Christian Horner, Verstappen continues to concentrate on his current team.

The Grand Prix of Belgium promises a spectacle with Verstappen, which is determined to silence its critics. While McLaren wears favorite role, the Dutch is ready to fight for victory. His promise of revenge is not an empty cry, but a reflection of his unprecedented determination. Formula -1 fans keep the breath: will Verstappen find his old form back in spa or will McLaren expand their dominance? One thing is certain: the fight for the title has not yet been decided.