Max Verstappen "would always pick a number one driver" as F1 team boss

Max Verstappen says being the only Red Bull car to take on the two McLaren drivers for the 2025 Formula 1 title was an advantage rather than a drawback.

In 2025 Red Bull tried its latest gamble to solve its second seat syndrome, but after two poor weekends Liam Lawson was ruthlessly replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.

The Japanese driver also struggled to find stability in his performances and results, and has been demoted to a reserve role for 2026 as Red Bull turned to Isack Hadjar instead.

That meant Verstappen was taking on the two McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri by himself as he launched an unlikely comeback in the title fight over the second half of the season.

But while Tsunoda wasn't a factor up front to give Red Bull additional strategic cards to play, Verstappen feels his role as a sole frontrunner actually helped him.

"When you're on your own, you can go on the attack, you can be much more aggressive. I always prefer that," he explained to Viaplay. "Look, if you're a bit equal with the car, then I wish both [McLaren drivers] good luck, because then you can really decide it amongst yourselves."

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: James Sutton / Formula 1 / Formula Motorsport Ltd via Getty Images

Verstappen pointed out that Norris and Piastri were taking a lot of points off each other in their fight against the Dutchman, with McLaren's equal treatment of both drivers further complicating things on the strategy front. That's why as a team principal, he would always designate a number one driver.

"If I were a team boss, I would always put a clear number one and two in place," the four-time world champion explained.

"Of course, a number two who still scores enough points to compete for the constructors' title. But a clear number one and two.

"Because McLaren had two drivers, they gave away some things with their strategy. So, of course, we benefited from that too."