An initially rather stale year takes an unexpected turn thanks to Max Verstappen. Five editors and three columnists share their personal memories of Verstappen in 2025. Part 4: reporter Bas Holtkamp on the questions after the victory in Monza.
Max Verstappen surprises both friends and foes in Monza. He secures pole position and wins with a commanding lead. However, during the race, there is also the much-discussed moment at McLaren, where Oscar Piastri is instructed to let Lando Norris pass. Gianpiero Lambiase reports this over the radio to Verstappen, and the Dutchman reacts with a chuckle: “Ha! Just because he had a slow stop?!”
After the race, I ask him during the press conference what he would have done in this situation. Of course, asking the question is answering it, but perhaps this will also provoke a reaction from his competitors sitting next to him on the bench. Verstappen hesitates for a brief moment, but responds with a smile. “You obviously want a funny answer to this, but I’m not saying anything about it. It’s not my problem and it’s better not to say anything about it.” We know enough…
Subsequently, the fellow journalists endlessly harp on about this topic. Verstappen is clearly done with it, sighs, and demonstratively slumps on the bench, resting his head on the backrest. Those darn media always!
