Verstappen eyes 'stability' in 2025 but keeps expectations in check

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Reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen is hoping for a smoother ride in 2025, in stark contrast to the challenges faced by Red Bull Racing in 2024.

Despite securing his fourth consecutive World Championship, the Dutchman endured a season marked by both triumphs and turbulence, on and off the track.

Verstappen was ultimately able to fend off a strong challenge in the Drivers' championship from McLaren's Lando Norris, but even the sport's most dominant driver spent stretches of the season in machinery that wasn't quite the sharpest tool in the shed.

A Season of Ups and Downs

Verstappen's plea for stability comes after a year of highs and lows for Red Bull Racing.

The midseason departure of legendary designer Adrian Newey left the team grappling with uncertainty, while team principal Christian Horner faced – and eventually overcame – a misconduct investigation that cast a shadow over the bulls.

Despite these challenges, Verstappen prevailed, showcasing his hallmark consistency and composure to secure another drivers' championship. But the Dutchman knows that to maintain his dominance, the team will need to iron out the kinks from 2024.

"Last year has been challenging at times," Verstappen said in an interview with ESPN. 

"Of course, we had a lot of good moments, of course, also some tough moments, and I hope that we can be, let's say, a little bit more stable and a little bit more all-round throughout the season."

New Teammate, Familiar Ambition

Adding another layer of intrigue to the 2025 season is the arrival at Red Bull Racing of Liam Lawson as Verstappen's new teammate.

Lawson steps into the seat previously occupied by Sergio Pérez, whose disappointing 2024 campaign led to his dismissal despite the Mexican holding a contract for 2025.

The driver market is a brutal business, but Verstappen, ever the professional, expresses excitement about the new dynamic.

"What I'm looking forward to the most is just to see how competitive we are. Of course, as you said, new teammate in Liam [Lawson]," Verstappen adds.

"I'm excited to be working with him as well, and I think the whole team is excited to, yeah, look ahead to this season." While the words are diplomatic, the underlying focus remains clear: competitiveness.

No Targets Set, Yet

With four consecutive titles under his belt, Verstappen stands on the precipice of history. He could join the legendary Michael Schumacher as the only driver to win five straight championships.

However, Verstappen remains grounded, refusing to be drawn into discussions of records or targets. He's seen enough in Formula 1 to know that predictions are often futile.

"Honestly, my mindset hasn't really changed," he states. "Of course, winning four titles has been a dream, more than a dream, I would say. I'm relaxed."

However, Verstappen's laid-back demeanor shouldn't fool anyone into thinking he's complacent. The 27-year-old's competitive fire still burns bright.

"I'm just looking forward, of course, to see how competitive we can be. And from there onwards also, once you realise a bit how competitive you are, you set a bit of a target, but that's too early to say at the moment."

In other words, Verstappen is waiting to see what the 2025 car can do before setting his sights on specific goals.

He's a racer who lets his performance on the track speak louder than any pre-season pronouncements.

The 2025 season promises to be another thrilling chapter in the Verstappen saga, and the question remains: can he achieve the stability he craves and continue his reign of dominance?

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