Max Verstappen closed the 2025 season just a step away from a fifth world title, but what struck him most was not losing by a mere two points to Lando Norris. What surprised the Dutch champion was something far less predictable: the growing support from fans, arriving precisely in the year when he was no longer dominating.
After the Dutch Grand Prix, Max Verstappen found himself 104 points from the top, with nine races still to go and little realistic hope of re-entering the title fight. McLaren seemed untouchable, while Red Bull was experiencing a complex technical phase. Yet, race after race, something began to change.
Accustomed to seasons of absolute dominance, Max Verstappen suddenly found himself in the role of the chaser. A new, almost foreign role, which nonetheless shifted public perception in his favor.
“It was surprising. When you become the outsider, people start supporting you more,” he said in an interview with Talking Bulls.
The change was evident, especially compared to previous seasons, where his overwhelming dominance often triggered a contrasting reaction from the fans. This time, however, the title chase humanized his image, making him feel closer to the supporters.
Max Verstappen does not believe he has changed. On the contrary, he insists it is the public who have begun seeing him in a different light: “Maybe now they are starting to understand who I really am.”
The Dutch driver emphasized that he has never worn a mask in the paddock, even during the moments of greatest success. According to him, this authenticity, consistency, and mindset built over time is now what is being recognized and appreciated.
“When you win so much, it’s easy to lose touch with reality. That’s why it’s essential to have the right people around you.” Family, friends, and a stable environment were key factors in navigating a season in which, for the first time in years, he was not dictating the pace.
2025 did not deliver the title to Verstappen, but it may have given him something different: a renewed connection with the fans. Far from the image of a cold, untouchable dominator, this year’s Max appeared more vulnerable, more human, and perhaps even more appreciated.
And while the championship ended in Lando Norris’s hands, there remains the feeling that this season redefined how Verstappen is perceived both in the paddock and beyond.
As we look toward 2026, this newfound popularity could be Max Verstappen’s greatest asset. In a sport that often loves to see a giant fall, Max managed to win over his critics by fighting with a car that didn’t deserve to be at the front, proving that his talent transcends the machinery he drives. Whether he returns to the top step next year or remains the “outsider,” the bond forged in the fires of 2025 will likely endure.
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