‘GOAT’ Max Verstappen backed for sensational title upset after ‘clever’ Red Bull decision

Sebastien Buemi believes Max Verstappen is the "GOAT", and has backed him to claim a record-equalling fifth consecutive F1 drivers' title following a "clever" decision by Red Bull.

Since Red Bull introduced a new floor in the Italian GP, Verstappen has been on a relentless charge in the championship. 

Ahead of Verstappen's first session in Monza with the new floor, he found himself 104 points behind Oscar Piastri, that gap has been whittled down to 36.

Three of the last five races have been won by the Dutchman, while the Mexican GP was the first race since receiving the new part where he has finished behind a McLaren – Lando Norris won, while Verstappen finished in second. 

Verstappen's late charge comes after Red Bull chose to continue upgrading the RB21, unlike McLaren who opted to halt development of the MCL39 much earlier in the season. 

Red Bull's decision is one Buemi, one of the team's simulator drivers, believes was smart, as it has also not impacted the Milton Keynes-based outfit's 2026 preparations. 

Discussing Red Bull's recent progress, Buemi told RacingNews365 during an interview in Valencia: "I think they kept pushing for a very long [time] and had a little bit of a breakthrough in understanding a few things, then unlocked quite a bit of performance. 

"And yeah, I think Mexico, obviously Max has done an amazing race, but I don't think that the car was clearly as good as it was in Austin, Baku and Monza. So hopefully in São Paulo, we can bring it back into the same window as it was in Austin. 

"But I think Mexico is really him. He made the difference even. So I don't think he had the car really to do much better. So of course, I think we've unlocked good performance, but it's now making also sure we maximise, every time, the maximum, the full potential of the car. 

"But, developing the car maybe a bit longer than some of the others, I think was good, and also the way they've done it, it was a clever way. I don't feel that it's hindering, let's say 2026."

Verstappen requires 'bad luck for the others'

Following Mexico City, Verstappen has four races and six sprints remaining to cut his remaining deficit to the top of the championship. 

The upcoming São Paulo Grand Prix is a known strong venue for the 28-year-old, with it representing a good opportunity to increase the pressure on the McLarens. 

In Buemi's eyes, there is no doubting that Verstappen is the greatest F1 driver of all-time, but that he will need Norris and Piastri to suffer from "bad luck" to win the title.

Asked if Verstappen can win the title, Buemi responded: "I think, he's the goat. He's the best. So regardless of the car, in my opinion, he's the best, and he's the strongest. 

"So I would prefer, I would really love him to get the title, even if, in Formula 1, it's not only about the best driver, it's about the best package. But knowing that, there is no discussion, he's the best. 

"It would be sad if he doesn't get the title, however, even if he did cut a few points [in Mexico], it's not going to be easy. He needs to do everything perfect, and maybe count on a bit of luck. You know, bad luck for the others."