A Relaxed Verstappen Before Abu Dhabi

He explains that this time he goes into the last race with “positive energy” and the intention to enjoy the weekend rather than obsess over the result. Verstappen also stresses that the destiny of the title is “not really in my control”, noting that Red Bull will probably need external factors or rivals’ misfortune to overturn the deficit on a circuit where pure pace may still favour McLaren.

Why the 2025 crown “doesn’t really matter”

Asked directly about the importance of a fifth consecutive championship, Verstappen answered that winning the 2025 title “doesn’t really matter” to him because he already feels he has had an “amazing” season. He points to his run of seven grand prix wins and a spectacular comeback from 104 points down in mid‑season as proof of his personal level, regardless of the final standings.

Verstappen says this mindset removes pressure: as long as he maximises his own performance in the car and executes clean weekends, the outcome of the championship will not change how he evaluates his year.

Focus on performance and self‑standards

The Dutchman underlines that what really matters to him is whether he has driven at the high standard he demands of himself after more than a decade in F1. He argues that each year he has become “more all‑round” in terms of car setup, race execution and working with the team.

Verstappen has been candid that he is only still in title contention because of “failures of others”, a nod to McLaren’s strategic and reliability missteps in races like Singapore, Las Vegas and Qatar.

Nothing to lose in the title fight

With Norris ahead and Piastri also in the hunt, Verstappen describes his position as having “nothing to lose” compared to his McLaren rivals. He insists that if he misses out, he will not blame specific flashpoints such as the Spanish GP clash or early‑season Red Bull weaknesses.

That perspective leaves him free, in his own words, to “try everything” on Sunday while accepting that simply remaining in the fight after such a large deficit is already something he and Red Bull “can be really proud of”.