Verstappen on track for greatest comeback in Formula 1 history?
F1 NewsWednesday, 08 October 2025 at 14:37
Johnny Herbert believes Max Verstappen’s “aura” could yet deliver one of the greatest comebacks in Formula 1 history, crediting both the Dutchman and new Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies for transforming the team’s form after a disastrous start to the season.
Verrstappen has outscored his 2025 Formula 1 world title rivals, McLaren duo, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the past three GPs, while the gap remains sizable, and McLaren's inner strife could play into the hands of Max. And if anyone can make the impossible possible, it is the Red Bull ace.
Le Mans and Grand Prix winner Herbert said after a dramatic Singapore Grand Prix: “It would be remarkable given where they were. I think it would be one of the greatest Formula 1 comebacks because it was something that was not even really being thought of. It was all done and dusted, apparently - a Papaya 1-2, full stop. If anybody on that grid at the moment was able to do it, it would be Max.”
Herbert said Verstappen’s confidence and reputation have already reshaped how rivals race him: “The seed of doubt has already been sown over the last five years or so. Everybody knows that whenever you’re in a battle with Max on the racetrack, you’re probably going to lose.
“He’s got this aura that he’s created, and he’s not going to shy away from it in any way. He’ll use that to the maximum — but he’s not even thinking about it. It’s all the other drivers and teams that are.
“With the positivity of Singapore, he’ll be thinking outside the box: how to get some of that Mercedes performance in his car. That’s Max’s strength within Red Bull, he pushes everyone. He’s calm, comfortable, and able to brush any negativity away. When he has to step it up, he does, and he expects the team to do the same.”
Red Bull resurgence under Mekies
Herbert said Red Bull’s recovery has been driven by Verstappen’s input and the leadership change that brought Mekies in for Christian Horner. “You can’t rule Max out,” he said. “He seems very comfortable with the car once again. The balance and harmony are back, just what he’s needed.
“Red Bull are listening more to what Max is saying. Whatever was going on before with the simulator drivers in Milton Keynes wasn’t working. There’s definitely been a change — they’re applying more of what Max says, and it’s putting them in a good place.
“You can’t ignore the change in leadership either. Mekies replacing Horner has created a nice harmony. His relationship with Max is much closer than Horner’s was, and the running battle with Jos created negative energy. Now, the whole situation has changed and it’s been very positive.
“The car is now a major threat again, taking points off the two McLarens, which adds pressure on both Norris and Piastri. McLaren had the most dominant car, but the twist in Red Bull’s fortunes has come at the worst possible time — and to the fastest driver on the grid.”
Russell versus Verstappen: 2026 showdown
Turning to Mercedes, Herbert said George Russell’s recent form made his long-term future at the team a “no-brainer.” He said: “He had achieved enough before Singapore. Now it should be a slam dunk for Mercedes, Toto Wolff and George Russell. When the car is in the window, George delivers.
“That shows a fantastic strength he can take anywhere if he doesn’t get the deal he wants. Whatever team he goes to, he’s got this inner confidence. Some people see it as arrogance, but it’s not. It’s just how he expresses himself.
“Max does it differently — very flippant at times — but he does the job. He doesn’t muck up races, he’s under pressure and delivers. It would be foolish if Mercedes didn’t give him a new long-term deal. They haven’t got another choice, put it that way.”
Herbert believes Formula 1 could soon see a direct fight between Russell and Verstappen. “Potentially, it’s all set up for a Max v George head-to-head next year. Mercedes will be at the sharp end with their new power unit and probably the car to have.
“George has earned that position — it’s not luck. He’s worked hard to get there and shown he’s exceptional. He’ll be the team leader and I hope he does because I like what I see — this really controlled, raw ability to shine.”
Verstappen raised the bar for everyone
Herbert added that the rivalry could get heated: “A battle between George Russell and Max Verstappen would be incredible. They’ve already had a feisty relationship. Other drivers aren’t overawed by Max now — and that’s brilliant. Max created that by being so good.
“George has always had this very competitive nature. When he first came into the paddock, he was like a peacock — confident, composed. That confidence is now coming through when he’s up against Max. He’s growing into the psychological games you have to play as a driver.”
Herbert explained that Verstappen’s dominance has lifted the entire field: “The gap between Max and the rest has shrunk. Lando, George, and Oscar have improved. Max came in with unbelievable talent and made an instant impact, but now the others have caught up.
“It’s great for fans because Max isn’t running away with it anymore. He knows the others are closer — the three-tenths he used to have over the field has gone because they’ve all upped their game. Max’s domination has motivated everyone else to step up," concluded Herbert.
(Source: BettingLounge)
2025 Formula 1 Standings after Round 18, Singapore
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