Max Verstappen qualified P1 for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Photo: RacePictures.

After shock Baku pole, Verstappen admits harsh Red Bull truth

21:31, 20 Sep

byNorberto Mujica

Max Verstappen is currently enjoying Red Bull's upturn in form, nevertheless the reigning World Champion admits he did have doubts that the Austrians could turn it around.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull team members celebrate Azerbaijan GP pole position. Photo: RacePictures

"We've certainly had a lot of great moments together," Verstappen said. "Going through a difficult period isn't nice. But when you see that things are going well again now, it seems extra special how you managed to get through those bad times with everyone."

Verstappen has time and time again shown his allegiance and his heart, both lie with Red Bull Racing, the company that under whose umbrella Helmut Marko gave him a shot at F1.

After clinching his fifth pole of the season, the Dutchman has set himself as the driver most poles in 2025; there's a caveat, though: he's not been in the best race car.

However, Red Bull Racing seem to be making their way back up the performance slope, and the team, Verstappen believes, is in high spirits and in a good place. This was made possible, due to the arrival of new team principal Laurent Mekies.

"The atmosphere is very good, and that's important, of course. And it gives you more confidence, which is sometimes important for people too. That they can see light at the end of the tunnel, given what they're doing."

"We've had a lot of discussions, of course, about how we can adjust things, how we can test things. And yes, we actually handled that quite well."

Then the reigning World Champion admitted that at times, it was difficult for him to believe in Red Bull's re-awakening.

"Ultimately, you always have difficult moments. And of course, sometimes you think, 'Will this ever work out?'

But, resourceful as ever, Verstappen ultimately chose to refuse letting that sensation mark the remainder of his and Red Bull's 2025 season.

"But on the other hand, there's no point in continuing to think like that. You should always try to think of solutions. And talk to people, exchange ideas, that sort of thing," he concluded.

Verstappen back in the championship fray?

That's what McLaren boss Andrea Stella stated following the qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Speaking about Red Bull's sudden surge he dismissed it was only a one-off following their win in Monza last time out. Instead he pointed to the floor upgrade and the benefits it, according to the Italian, will yield loads of performance.

Helmut Marko, of course, also touched on Verstappen's pole position in Baku. As it turns out, Verstappen had been key to Red Bull achieving the pole position.

Marko revealed it was the Dutchman who went against the engineers' advice to put on medium tyres for the final run, with the team eventually following Verstappen's lead.

"At the first attempt, it would have been enough with medium. But then it was right to put on the soft, even though it wasn't faster on paper for us."

Marko also lauded Mekies recently, for the impact he's had on the team's internal atmosphere and its performance as well.