Sebastian Vettel backs Max Verstappen as title favourite in 2025 despite Red Bull turmoil. Sebastian Vettel still sees Max Verstappen as the strongest driver .

The unrest within Red Bull shows no sign of easing: rumours of a possible departure by Max Verstappen have caused a stir in the paddock ahead of the Saudi Arabian GP. Despite this tense situation, Sebastian Vettel believes his former team is still in a position of strength and that Verstappen remains a contender—if not the main contender—for the title.

“It’s a time to stick together,” said Sebastian Vettel in an interview with Sky Sports. Even if the current situation is difficult, it shouldn’t be a major issue. “After so many years, there’s a strong bond, and of course, some people leave the team and others join.”

“But whether you win a championship or not, that still happens. It’s the nature of Formula 1,” said the four-time world champion, noting that even in F1 there are phases when titles can’t be celebrated. After four years of consecutive success, this is one of those moments.

“But now is the time to stick together and be ready to strike again.” Despite the current challenges, Red Bull should not be counted out, said Sebastian Vettel. Max Verstappen too, whose performances go far beyond just raw speed in his view, has played a decisive role in this.

Max Verstappen is “the strongest driver on the grid”
“Max has incredible talent and has grown tremendously,” said the former Red Bull driver. “The way he now approaches his races is completely different from before. He’s much more measured.” According to the German, Verstappen has learned to think strategically, to be patient, and to strike at the right moment.

“The progress he’s made isn’t necessarily in terms of outright lap times or pure performance, but rather in terms of consistency and reliability,” said Sebastian Vettel. “He’s present in every race.” And this is exactly what currently sets him apart from the rest of the field.

“He has excellent self-control and, in my opinion, that makes him the strongest driver at the moment,” the German believes. “This mix of aggression and experience, combined with his natural speed, is impressive.”

“He’s fantastic to watch,” said Vettel, who still sees Max Verstappen as the favourite, but also stressed that the 2025 Formula 1 season will be particularly significant for the Dutchman. “Obviously, it’s a crucial year for him.”