The Formula 1 World Buzzes with Excitement Following Mike Hezemans’ Statement on Max Verstappen’s Best Season Ever
The world of Formula 1 was stirred on April 27, 2025, after a striking statement from driver and analyst Mike Hezemans, who declared in an interview with RacingNews365 that Max Verstappen is having his best season ever in 2025. Despite being third in the World Championship after five races, behind McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Hezemans is convinced that the four-time world champion is at the peak of his career. With a surprising pole position in Saudi Arabia, a victory in Japan, and consistent performances despite issues with the Red Bull RB21, Hezemans believes Verstappen is reaching an unparalleled level. The Spanish Grand Prix, which began on April 26, 2025, promises a new test for the Dutchman.
Hezemans’ claim comes at a time when Verstappen doesn’t have the dominant car that led him to 19 wins in 2023. In 2025, Red Bull is facing technical challenges, such as tire wear and a lack of top speed compared to McLaren. Still, Verstappen has impressed with his ability to maximize results. In Jeddah, he took pole by just 0.010 seconds ahead of Piastri, a feat that Hezemans called “not normal.” In Suzuka, he converted his pole into a victory, while in Australia, he survived a chaotic race and finished second. “Max is having his best season ever,” Hezemans said. “Even in 2023, with all those records, the car was perfect. Now, despite everything going against him, he still stands out.”
Verstappen’s current third place, with just 12 points behind leader Piastri, shows his resilience. Hezemans emphasizes that Verstappen is in a “flow,” driving smartly and conserving energy. “In Saudi Arabia, taking pole, winning in Japan while the car wasn’t top… He’s at the peak of his career,” Hezemans said. This sentiment is echoed by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who already called 2024 Verstappen’s best year after winning the title with a lesser car. The Dutchman himself remains grounded: after his pole in Jeddah, he said he was surprised, as the RB21 didn’t seem competitive after the third free practice.
The Spanish Grand Prix, the sixth race of 2025, offers Verstappen another chance to showcase his class. McLaren is seen as the favorite after their strong performances in Australia and China, but Verstappen has a strong history in Barcelona, where he secured his first win in 2016. Hezemans believes that Verstappen’s tactical smartness and fighting spirit give him an edge, even if McLaren has a faster car. “Max is a fighter. You can’t just pass him,” he said. He also pointed to McLaren’s internal rivalry between Piastri and Norris, which could cost them points, while Red Bull is clearly focused on Verstappen.
Other drivers have recognized Verstappen’s exceptional form. Sergio Pérez, his teammate, already called 2024 “the most incredible season” he had ever witnessed, an opinion that seems even stronger in 2025. Lewis Hamilton, now at Ferrari, praised Verstappen’s consistency, while Piastri admitted that the Dutchman is “always a threat.” On social media, particularly on X, fans are enthusiastic: “Max makes the difference, even with a lesser car!” wrote one user. However, some critics point to Verstappen’s five-second penalty in Jeddah after an incident with Piastri, where he gained an advantage by cutting the chicane.
With 18 races remaining in 2025, the title fight is still open. Hezemans predicts that Verstappen could secure his fifth title if Red Bull continues developing the RB21. “If Max stays close to the podium, he will be champion,” he said, pointing to Verstappen’s ability to perform under pressure. The Spanish Grand Prix, with its mix of fast corners and long straights, will be crucial to see if Red Bull can close the gap with McLaren. For now, Verstappen’s 2025 season remains a masterpiece in the making, as Hezemans calls it, and the eyes of the Formula 1 world are focused on the Dutchman to see how far he can go.
