What initially seemed to be a rather uneventful year has taken an unexpected turn thanks to Max Verstappen. Five editors and three columnists share their personal memories of Verstappen in 2025 in a short contribution. Part 5, columnist Graham Watson, discusses the impressive race in Brazil.
For me, Max’s defining moment this year was the race in Brazil. From pit lane to podium: an incredible achievement. Last year, Max drove from P17 to victory there. Exceptional, don’t get me wrong, but that was in the rain. And rain levels the playing field more, the variables are different. From the moment the light in the pit lane turns green, Max is off and immediately 500 meters ahead of Esteban Ocon, who starts behind him in the pit lane. I knew right away: this is going to be explosive.
Making a Difference
In this year’s race on a dry track, the only variable was Max Verstappen: everyone was driving on the same dry track, had the same tires, and roughly the same strategy… To then drive such a comeback race is something else. That’s why I rate this higher than that of 2024. For me, it underscored that Max is the only one of all the drivers who can make a difference. After each driver he overtakes in turn 1, you think: the next one will be harder. But no: bam, there he takes the next one already. For me, this was the ride of the year. And I was glad I was there live.
