Formula 1 News: Verstappen still best driver of 2025

(GMM) Ralf Schumacher and Alain Prost both say Max Verstappen (pictured) was the outstanding driver of 2025 despite losing the title to Lando Norris – as doubt continues to swirl around the future of Max’s race engineer.

Referring to Gianpiero Lambiase, Ralf told Sky Deutschland there is “rumor in the paddock that something is not right with his private circumstances”, warning it is possible ‘GP’ will not return in 2026.

“We don’t know what’s going on,” Schumacher said. “That’s why there’s also a risk that he won’t be there next year. Of course we hope not. This would be a drama for Max Verstappen.”

He stressed that Lambiase’s influence on Verstappen’s success is not easily replaceable.

“You can see it on the radio. Lambiase is someone who can say ‘Max, slow down a bit. Don’t be so childish and focus’. That works very well. If Max gets a new engineer, that would take a very long time.”

It comes amid major turnover around Verstappen. Red Bull’s other three permanent engineers – Michael Manning, Tom Hart and David Mart – are all leaving, and mentor and grandfather figure Dr Helmut Marko has now departed as well.

Despite the tight finale, Schumacher says the outcome does not reflect driver performance.

“It’s clear that Max is the best driver in Formula 1. That’s simply so,” said the German. “You can also conclude that the best driver has not become world champion this year.”

He believes Verstappen has nonetheless taken another big step in 2025.

“He’s developed further because he’s become a real team leader – you could also see it in the emotions after the race.”

Meanwhile Sport Bild reports that Norris’ maiden title triggered a EUR 5 million bonus negotiated in his 2022 contract extension.

Four-time world champion Alain Prost echoed Schumacher’s assessment about the Norris vs Verstappen outcome on Canal Plus.

“Incredible things have happened with Lando,” said the Frenchman and F1 legend. “At the beginning of the season he wasn’t super strong, while Oscar was. Then he came back incredibly strong.

“And Verstappen – he made a comeback that no one saw coming.”

Prost said Verstappen still made the biggest impression overall. “I have to congratulate Lando, but Max is clearly above the rest,” said the 70-year-old.

He added: “All three drivers deserved it for different reasons. Norris has driven a consistent season with the necessary flair, although perhaps not as impressive as what Verstappen showed.”

Prost suggested the dynamic inside McLaren could now shift.

“The question is whether we’ll see a new Norris now. Perhaps we’ll also see a different Piastri, because he’s the challenger. He came back strongly, but we also have to remember Lando is ultimately British,” he ended with a wink.