Max Verstappen says no more wins possible this season

Max Verstappen now doubts he will win another race in 2025, as Red Bull’s form dip continues and the reigning four-time world champion slips further out of contention.

“No, not like this. Absolutely not,” Verstappen told ServusTV after qualifying only eighth in Hungary, behind both Aston Martins and even a Sauber. “The car felt bad all weekend. We tried a lot of things, but nothing worked, and that’s obviously a huge problem. I can get angry, but that doesn’t make the car any faster.”

He also ruled out taking risks in the race. “It doesn’t make sense. I’ll start eighth, which doesn’t do much good. I don’t want to risk any damage.”

Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko said reaching Q3 was an achievement in itself. “It was a fantastic job by Max to even make it into Q3. Amazingly, we were faster with the used tyres than with the new ones. That shows that something is wrong.”

Rain was forecast for Sunday, but Marko remained pessimistic. “I’m not very optimistic, but this track is always good for surprises.”

Verstappen has insisted for weeks that the title is gone. His latest comments follow a public dismissal of exit rumours.

“It’s especially annoying for the team,” he told Viaplay. “Because there’s often just a stupid story behind it. And ultimately, nothing happened.”

The championship now looks to be a two-way McLaren fight only. “Piastri has the nerve, is more consistent,” Marko told Sport1. “Norris may be faster per lap, but I see Piastri ahead overall.”

Still, McLaren CEO Zak Brown had high praise for Verstappen. “His race in Brazil last year was legendary,” Brown told De Telegraaf. “It reminded me of Ayrton Senna. Max is a relentless fighter who knows no mercy. He absolutely belongs among the greatest drivers of all time.”