Max Verstappen warned new ‘strange’ habit could cost the 2025 F1 title

Verstappen warned over ‘strange’ pattern of failing to string podiums together

Former driver Michael Bleekemolen believes Verstappen has developed a ‘strange’ habit that could end up costing him the title, beyond the 11 points he lost after colliding with George Russell in Spain, which saw him drop from P4 to P10 following a 10-second penalty.

Bleekemolen highlighted Verstappen’s inability to follow up race wins with strong results, noting that the 65-time Grand Prix winner hasn’t taken back-to-back podiums in over a year, despite claiming two wins and four podiums this season.

“Ultimately, they don’t like a third position,” Bleekemolen told RacingNews365. “But, in the end, it’s always impressive. But it’s strange that he wins a race and then drops back again.

“It’s also a matter of adjusting everything and an accumulation of all kinds of factors that make a car fast. And probably the basis of the car is no longer what it should be, compared to the McLaren.”

Verstappen’s last consecutive podiums came over a year ago

Verstappen hasn’t finished on the podium in back-to-back races since June 2024, when he won the Canadian and Spanish Grands Prix. Since then, he’s failed to follow one top-three finish with another in 23 races, including 13 races outside the podium.

Charles Leclerc capitalised on Verstappen’s poor safety car restart in Spain to take third late on, extending Verstappen’s wait for consecutive podiums. His finishes this season now read: P2, P4, P1, P6, P2, P4, P1, P4, and P10.

None of the top contenders have been on the podium in every race this season; Norris and Piastri each have eight podiums from nine starts. Norris missed out only in Saudi Arabia, finishing fourth, while Piastri’s worst result was ninth in Australia after a spin.