Following a controversial 12 months at its Milton Keynes HQ, Max Verstappen is hoping for an altogether much less dramatic 2025.
Although he lacked the mandatory assist from his teammate, to not point out a automobile that finally proved no match for the McLaren or Ferrari, there isn’t any doubt that the Horner-saga impacted Verstappen’s season additionally.
Even earlier than a wheel had turned in anger, the world championship profitable group was making headlines within the mainstream media as group boss Christian Horner stood accused of inappropriate behaviour.
Relatively than worrying about growing convergence, the Austrian group was beneath strain from a media sensing a brand new salacious aspect to the game. Whereas the mainstream media focused on the private aspect of the drama, given extra impetus as a result of the truth that Horner is married to a former Spice Lady, and the complainant stated to be associated to a member of a world well-known rock band, the motorsport media focussed on discuss of upheaval throughout the group, which at instances, in line with the stories, regarded like imploding.
Whereas Horner was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing, the injury had been performed. Although discuss of Helmut Marko being fired, and Max following him out of the door, proved vast of the mark, there have been quite a few excessive profile departures, not least design guru Adrian Newey.
One way or the other, the group stored it collectively, and although it failed to carry off McLaren and Ferrari, it did see Verstappen to his fourth successive title.
Understandably, the Dutchman is hoping for rather less off-track drama this 12 months.
“Final 12 months has been difficult at instances,” stated the Dutchman, in a masterpiece of understatement, in line with ESPN. “In fact, we had numerous good moments,” he added, “after all, additionally some powerful moments, and I hope that we may be, as an example, somewhat bit extra secure and somewhat bit extra all-round all through the season.”
Among the many departures was Perez, leaving the Dutchman with a brand new teammate, Liam Lawson.
“What I am trying ahead to probably the most is simply to see how aggressive we’re,” he stated. “In fact, I’ve a brand new teammate in Liam. I am excited to be working with him as properly, and I believe the entire group is happy to, yeah, stay up for this season.”
Requested if he can repeat Michael Schumacher’s feat of 5 successive titles, he stated: “Truthfully, my mind-set hasn’t actually modified. In fact, profitable 4 titles has been a dream, greater than a dream, I might say. I am relaxed.
“I am simply trying ahead, after all, to see how aggressive we may be. And from there onwards additionally, when you realise a bit how aggressive you’re, you set a little bit of a goal, however that is too early to say in the intervening time.”
