'I think that's really difficult for Max,' claims former world champion

At the halfway mark of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Verstappen trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points and sits 61 behind second-placed Lando Norris.

On paper, that gap could still be closed with 12 races remaining — but in reality, the challenge looks far steeper.

The RB21 has struggled with various shortcomings this season, while McLaren has looked consistently dominant.

''I think it’s really difficult for Max'', Button admitted in conversation with F1.com.

According to the former driver, one could now conclude that it's a battle between the two men from McLaren: ''You’d have to say it’s a two-horse race at the moment, but Max has had it his way for a few years, and what he’s doing with that car is just unbelievable.''

The Brit also pointed out that the many teammates Verstappen has had prove just how talented he is: ''When you put so many drivers in the same car and they are nowhere near him it proves what a talent he is, and what he’s able to do with a difficult car.''

Much has been said about Verstappen's future at Red Bull. Although the Dutchman is under contract with the Austrian team for the coming years, his stay is still far from certain.

An interesting situation, Button acknowledged: ''What’s he going to do next year? I don’t know. I think it’s interesting that we don’t know what the best option is. I’m sure he doesn’t know either right now.''

''They might say they’re doing better, but who knows? So, it’s a tricky decision for him and, whatever he chooses, I think it’s going to be an exciting season in 2026 – whatever car he’s in,'' Button finally concluded.