Max Verstappen reveals the secret behind the success of McLaren at the F1 2025 Miami GP was how they managed their tyres as the defending world champion laments finishing 40 seconds off the lead at the Miami International Autodrome.
The 27-year-old, who became a father on Thursday, May 1, started the latest round of Formula 1 action from pole position and held the lead until Lap 14 when he was finally passed by Oscar Piastri.
Norris picked him off shortly later and the McLaren pair checked out and disappeared up the road as they lapped around a second quicker than the Dutchman’s Red Bull thereafter.
As if the day couldn’t get worse, he even slipped behind George Russell’s Mercedes after losing out under the Virtual Safety Car, but he admits he doesn’t really mind finishing fourth because it wasn’t a victory.
Verstappen even took the time to explain the secret to the McLaren success at the F1 2025 Miami GP as he reveals the papaya-coloured cars have exceptional tyre temperature management.
“It’s not frustrating at all,” Verstappen told members of the media, including Total-Motorsport.com. “We are here to win and today we were miles off, so it doesn’t matter if we’re third or fourth.
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“They [McLaren] were just miles up the road. They were just miles faster than everyone else on a track where the thermal degradation is very high, they just have a natural advantage. I think that’s quite clear.”
Verstappen: F1 overtaking rules are clear
Of course, it’s not a typical Max Verstappen weekend in Formula 1 if he doesn’t find himself involved in a controversy of some sorts, and the 57 laps in Florida proved to be no exception.
Beginning on Lap 1, it had seemed as though he forced Norris off the track and made the Brit drop down to sixth from second on the grid in another traditional defence from his mantra.
Although replays showed he had actually dealt with a snap of oversteer and there wasn’t too much he could have done, his temperament was still that of a bull in a china shop then the charging McLarens tried to pass the four-time champion later.
He put up a very staunch defence and showed he has no issues running deep into corners to preserve his lead, but pointed out he’s simply racing according to the FIA’s own rules.
“The last race, then the Sprint Race and today I think it’s quite clear what is allowed and what isn’t,” Verstappen continued. “So, I think everyone has adjusted to that.
“For me it’s always better to leave it more natural, but I just follow the rules.”
