Max Verstappen isn’t just fast—he’s a relentless machine of improvement, and that’s what truly terrifies his rivals. According to former F1 presenter Will Buxton, it’s not just the Dutchman’s raw speed or aggressive racecraft that keeps him at the top, but rather his ability to evolve weekend after weekend, making him an almost unstoppable force in Formula 1.
Verstappen’s Edge: A Constantly Evolving Champion
Since the dawn of F1’s ground-effect era in 2022, Verstappen has been the benchmark, claiming four consecutive world titles. Despite an intensified battle in 2024, the Red Bull superstar still managed to fend off challengers and retain his crown.
But Buxton highlights a more alarming aspect of Verstappen’s dominance—the fact that he never stops learning.
“Max takes a step every weekend. That is most worrying for his rivals. Every race weekend Max comes back, has learned something new, has improved further, has developed further, has become more and more the complete package.”
This relentless growth means Verstappen isn’t just competing against his rivals—he’s competing against himself, constantly pushing his own limits and eliminating weaknesses at every Grand Prix.
The Purity of Verstappen’s Racing—and His Brutal Honesty
Beyond his talent behind the wheel, Verstappen’s no-filter personality has also made him one of the most compelling figures in the sport. Unlike many modern F1 drivers who carefully craft their PR-friendly personas, Verstappen speaks his mind without fear of consequences.
Buxton believes this raw, unapologetic authenticity is part of what makes Verstappen so electrifying to watch.
“I love watching Max because of the purity of the way he races. I love listening to Max because of the purity of his emotions. It is a joy to watch him race.”
His refusal to cater to critics or tailor his image for fans has made him a polarizing yet deeply respected figure in the world of motorsport.
Verstappen vs. Rivals: No Stranger to Controversy
While Verstappen’s dominance is undeniable, his aggressive style has often sparked controversy. The 2024 season was no exception, as he found himself in multiple on-track clashes with Lando Norris and engaged in a heated war of words with Mercedes toward the year’s end.
Despite the drama, Verstappen remains unshaken, staying laser-focused on his own performance rather than engaging in mind games or PR battles.
What’s Next for Verstappen?
With Verstappen showing no signs of slowing down, the question now is whether anyone can truly challenge him in 2025. If Buxton’s assessment is correct, Verstappen’s ability to keep evolving each weekend means that even if his rivals close the gap, he’ll already be a step ahead by the next race.
As the Dutchman continues rewriting the record books, one thing is certain: his competitors aren’t just racing against Verstappen—they’re racing against his relentless drive for perfection.