The Formula 1 community has been buzzing with speculation and debate following an intriguing moment involving reigning world champion Max Verstappen in the immediate aftermath of the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix. Fans took to social media to discuss an unusual maneuver made by the Red Bull driver, fueling theories about his intentions.
McLaren’s Dominance and Controversial Disqualifications in Shanghai
Sunday marked the second race of the 2025 Formula 1 season, held at the iconic Shanghai International Circuit. The race saw a continuation of McLaren’s strong form, echoing their performance in the season opener in Australia. Young Australian driver Oscar Piastri clinched a well-earned victory, with his teammate Lando Norris securing second place, completing a 1-2 finish for the British team. Meanwhile, Mercedes driver George Russell finished third, ensuring he was the only non-McLaren driver on the podium.
However, what happened after the race proved to be just as dramatic as the on-track action. Post-race inspections led to the disqualification of two major names—Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly—after their cars were found to be underweight. The controversy didn’t end there, as Ferrari suffered a further blow when seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was also disqualified due to excessive skid wear on his car. These penalties significantly altered the final race standings and sparked heated discussions among fans and analysts.
Verstappen’s Curious Move Raises Eyebrows
While McLaren was celebrating their triumph and Ferrari was dealing with disqualifications, fans quickly turned their attention to Max Verstappen, who finished fourth in the race. However, it wasn’t just his performance that caught people’s attention—it was what he did after crossing the finish line.
As he entered the pit lane following the race, Verstappen was seen deliberately steering his car onto the grass rather than staying on the tarmac. This small yet seemingly calculated move led fans to speculate about his intentions, with many suggesting that he was trying to pick up extra debris or dirt in order to increase the weight of his car before it underwent post-race checks.
Fans Theorize Verstappen’s Move Was Intentional
Formula 1 enthusiasts wasted no time in sharing their thoughts on social media, with many believing that Verstappen’s action was a strategic decision rather than an accident.
One fan posted: “Max Verstappen deliberately driving over mud or grass after the Chinese Grand Prix—probably to add extra weight.”
Another user called it a smart move, tweeting: “It’s smart by Max to do this.”
A third added: “Smart move, I respect it.”
Others pointed out that this is a common practice among drivers trying to avoid post-race weight penalties, noting that many attempt to collect rubber or debris to ensure their cars meet minimum weight regulations.
“They all do it. Most try to collect as much garbage off the racing line on the cooling laps,” one fan commented.
Another fan, despite not being a Verstappen supporter, acknowledged the cleverness of the move: “I don’t like him, but this is very smart. No different than picking up rubber. Good on him. Hate the game, not the player.”
Another fan simply wrote: “Verstappen hitting the grass with his wheel to increase the weight of the car—damn, that’s brilliant.”
Verstappen Reflects on Red Bull’s Performance
Despite finishing just off the podium in fourth place—more than 16 seconds behind Piastri—Verstappen remained composed in his post-race interview. While Red Bull’s pace was not as dominant as it had been in previous seasons, the Dutchman still found positives in his performance.
“I think we’ll take that as a positive, that there is pace in the car at some point,” Verstappen said. “We just need to understand a bit more why it didn’t happen at the beginning and why at the end of the race it was a bit better.”
This statement suggests that Red Bull is still searching for answers regarding their car’s fluctuating performance across different phases of the race. While McLaren seems to have hit the ground running in 2025, Verstappen and his team will be working hard to unlock more consistent speed in the coming races.
Next Stop: The Japanese Grand Prix
With the Chinese Grand Prix now behind them, teams and drivers will shift their focus to the next round of the championship. The Japanese Grand Prix, set to take place at the legendary Suzuka Circuit next weekend, promises another thrilling showdown.
As Verstappen and Red Bull look to bounce back and challenge McLaren’s early-season dominance, all eyes will be on Suzuka to see whether this unexpected power shift in Formula 1 will continue. One thing is for sure—Verstappen’s every move will be closely watched by fans, pundits, and rivals alike.
F1 fans spotted genius ‘tactic’ Max Verstappen used to prevent disqualification after Chinese Grand Prix
