Verstappen "has become a real man" says manager, but admits the RB21 is at "ceiling of development"

It was the realistic Max Verstappen who has spoken in recent weeks, with the Red Bull Racing driver realising that his car currently lacks the speed to make it difficult for a rapid McLaren at the front of the grid.

The Dutchman was able to use his supreme talent to earn his fourth-consecutive world title in a challenging RB20, but a fifth consecutive title is something that may be out of reach. However, Vermeulen says his client is enjoying his racing with the Austrian team.

"The car itself is at the ceiling of development," admitted Vermeulen while speaking to Formula 1. "So Max will have to make the difference himself. It will be a very exciting year.

"I think he will enjoy this season as a racer immensely, even if he doesn't express it aloud," continued Verstappen's manager.

Verstappen has come a long way since his debut in F1 with Toro Rosso in 2015, with Vermeulen certainly seeing Verstappen change over the years.

"In that sense, he has become a real man. He always had the final word, but now he also has a clear vision," says the manager. According to his manager, Verstappen is doing what makes him happy: "And he is. He needs little guidance. Figuratively speaking, he has taken the driver's seat himself and makes his own decisions."

Vermeulen spoke in Melbourne, before the news that former teammate Liam Lawson was dropped from Red Bull after two disappointing races to start the season, as well as a crisis meeting that took place at the Austrian team's factory in Milton Keynes. So Verstappen's words, "Enjoy the season, but no fifth title in sight," may be true for 2025.