David Coulthard explains why Max Verstappen looks more relaxed and confident at Red Bull

Ferrari had a tough weekend in Singapore, but George Russell’s win helped Mercedes build a 25-point lead over them, with Red Bull sitting another 10 points back.

This season has seen some significant changes for Red Bull, most notably Laurent Mekies stepping in as team principal after Christian Horner’s departure. Verstappen now has more influence over his car setup during race weekends, and Red Bull isn’t holding back as much during practice sessions anymore.

Coulthard highlighted this shift while speaking about Verstappen’s improved mood around the paddock:

David Coulthard says Red Bull progress is putting Max Verstappen in his ‘happy place’

Coulthard appeared on Channel 4 to talk about the changes in Verstappen’s life this year, including becoming a father and his new GT3 venture.

He explained: “He’s exceptional. There have been other exceptional drivers in Formula 1 over the history of the sport; the others are merely great at what they do.

“It’s like he can see the grip before the others feel the grip. I think he’s sort of put himself in a state of mind, and I think he felt very comfortable with you [Lee McKenzie, referring back to the previous feature], and happy to do that chat for Channel 4.”

“He’s kind of mentally gone, ‘Well, I’m probably not going to win the world championship this time, but that’s fine.

“‘I’m in a happy place with the way the car’s being developed,’ he was not happy earlier in the year when it looked like they weren’t making progress.

“And I think that’s what a race driver wants, you just want to feel that you’re part of a movement and clearly, he’s moving himself ever closer to being part of this championship battle.”

Max Verstappen will need George Russell’s help to take the 2025 F1 title, says Jolyon Palmer

Verstappen knows that picking up a win at either the United States or Mexico City Grand Prix is crucial if he wants to keep the pressure on Piastri and Norris.

With McLaren already having sealed the constructors’ title, there’s a chance team dynamics could shift. But even if Piastri finishes third in every remaining race, Verstappen would still come up short of his fifth consecutive title by winning out.

Jolyon Palmer has suggested that Verstappen will need some help from George Russell if he’s going to reclaim the championship this year.

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But should Russell continue to take points off both McLaren drivers, it could give Verstappen enough of an opening heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.