Detective inspector Max Verstappen has uncovered medium speed performance as a key strength for the McLaren MCL39.

Indeed, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has confirmed that this is where McLaren is “killing us” most, the F1 2025 title picture having morphed into a McLaren-exclusive battle.

Red Bull boss confirms Max Verstappen discovery

Additional reporting by Thomas Maher

Reigning four-time World Champion Verstappen was able to keep the pressure up on McLaren through the early stages of F1 2025, winning the Japanese and Emilia Romagna GPs in pursuit of a fifth consecutive title.

However, with 10 rounds to go, Verstappen has fallen 97 points behind McLaren’s Championship leader Oscar Piastri. In P2 is Lando Norris, just nine points behind his McLaren team-mate, as a thrillin

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