Verstappen Focuses on Podium Challenge Amidst McLaren Dominance in Montreal
Montreal, Canada – Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing has set a pragmatic outlook for the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, acknowledging that McLaren’s performance is unmatched, shifting his focus instead to securing a podium against Mercedes and Ferrari.
Verstappen, a three-time winner at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, anticipates challenges specific to the track’s characteristics, which emphasize rear axle performance and offer fewer high-speed corners. "It’s a bit different this time around," Verstappen stated, emphasizing, "I think if we can fight for a podium with Ferrari and Mercedes, that already would be a good achievement."
Highlighting his concerns, Verstappen remarked, "The McLarens go faster. It’s not even in my head. I know that last year, for example, Mercedes was very strong here." He underscored the competitiveness of Mercedes this season, suggesting they have improved significantly since the previous year.
While admitting that Red Bull has made strides in overall balance and driveability of the RB21, Verstappen pinpointed lingering weaknesses on rear-limited circuits. "We’re headed in the right direction compared to last year. Now we just need to find a bit more overall performance," he noted.
Following testing and qualifying sessions, the performance gap between Red Bull and McLaren could play a pivotal role in race strategy, as the team assesses its potential for securing points against its closest rivals.
Additional reporting by Emily Selleck.
