F1 News
Analysts claim Verstappen the '25 champion: 'But McLaren have the best car'
Mike Hezemans and Rudy van Buren believe Max Verstappen can become world champion after the test days in Bahrain. Both Viaplay analysts shared their predictions for next season and are remarkably optimistic about the Dutchman's title chances.
"The champion will still be Max Verstappen, even if he himself thinks otherwise," predicts Mike Hezemans ahead of the new season. Red Bull Racing's Sim driver, Rudy van Buren, is also hopeful: "I just keep it on Dutch pride. We just keep having faith in Max". Yet, former F1 engineer Kees van de Grint, hopes Lewis Hamilton takes his eighth world title next season.
When asked how many wins Verstappen will take this year, the analysts are a lot more negative. "If we remain optimistic, eight," predicts Van Buren. Van de Grint and Hezemans are betting on five or six wins respectively.
Who takes the constructors' title?
When asked who takes the constructors' title, the three analysts are unanimous. "That will be McLaren. They just have the best car overall," explained Hezemans. On the drivers or teams that could potentially come short of the competition, the analysts are divided. Whereas Hezemans points to Doohan and Van de Grint to Bearman, Van Buren thinks Sauber as a team will be the most disappointing in 2025.
This article was written in collaboration with Hidde Korte.
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