“Max used to be someone who would fight tooth and nail for every position, no matter what. Now, he seems downbeat, almost like he’s just going through the motions,” the ex-champion commented. “There’s no fire, no feistiness. He’s more conservative in his approach, which is surprising for someone at the peak of their career.”

Some F1 experts argue that Verstappen’s change in attitude is a natural progression for a driver at his level. With multiple world championships under his belt, Verstappen’s focus may have shifted from taking risks to maintaining consistency. Leading the standings by a comfortable margin, Verstappen has little to prove—his dominance on the track is already well-established.

This evolution isn’t uncommon. Many drivers, as they mature in the sport, adopt a more strategic, less aggressive approach. Winning championships often requires a balance between speed and caution, a lesson Verstappen may have learned after years of hard-fought battles.

However, fans who fell in love with the “mad Max” of old miss the excitement he once brought to the track. Social media is abuzz with mixed reactions, with some defending the Dutch driver’s calmer approach, while others long for the days when he was more unpredictable.

In response to the claims, Verstappen shrugged off the criticism, stating that his focus is on winning races and titles, not on maintaining a certain image. “I’m still giving it everything on the track. But when you’re in my position, it’s about getting the job done efficiently,” he said in a recent interview. “If people think that’s less exciting, so be it. I’m here to win.”

With the season progressing and Verstappen firmly in control of the championship, the debate surrounding his current form continues. Is Verstappen evolving into a more calculated driver, or has he lost the spark that made him so captivating? Only time will tell whether the Dutchman will rediscover his old ferocity, or if this more measured version of Max Verstappen is here to stay.