Max Verstappen Embraces ‘Chucky’ Nickname as F1 Title Fight Heads to Abu Dhabi Thriller
Max Verstappen has never been one to shy away from the mind games of Formula 1 - and now, apparently, he’s leaning into horror movie references too.
After McLaren CEO Zak Brown described Verstappen as a “horror movie” character - the kind who just won’t stay down - the reigning champion had the perfect comeback. “He can call me Chucky,” Verstappen quipped with a grin, referencing the infamous doll from the Child’s Play franchise. “Is that short enough for you?”
The nickname came in the wake of Verstappen’s surprise victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, a race that flipped the script on what had looked like a two-horse race between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. A rare strategic miscue from McLaren under an early Safety Car opened the door, and Verstappen didn’t hesitate to walk through it.
That win shrunk his deficit to Norris to just 12 points, setting the stage for a dramatic three-way title decider in Abu Dhabi this weekend. It’s the kind of late-season twist that feels ripped straight from a screenplay - fitting, then, that Verstappen’s being cast as the relentless villain in McLaren’s storyline.
But if Verstappen’s supposed to be the bad guy here, he’s playing the part with a smile. Asked whether he believes he’s gotten into McLaren’s heads, Verstappen shrugged it off.
“From my side, I just focus on myself,” he said. “When I go in the car, I just try to do the best - like, I guess, everyone does.
That’s the only thing I can control.”
A Pressure-Free Title Shot? Verstappen Says He’s Just Enjoying the Ride
Verstappen’s Qatar win was his fifth in the last eight races - a reminder that even when Red Bull isn’t dominating on pure pace, the Dutchman’s ability to capitalize on chaos is unmatched. And while this season hasn’t followed the script of his runaway title campaigns in 2022, 2023, and 2024, Verstappen is embracing the underdog energy heading into the final round.
“I’m a lot more relaxed now,” he said. “I know I’m 12 points down.
I go in there with just positive energy. I try everything I can, but if I don’t win it, I still know I had an amazing season.”
That mindset is a far cry from the high-stakes tension of Abu Dhabi 2021, when Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton entered the finale tied on points in one of the most controversial and dramatic conclusions in F1 history. This time, Verstappen knows that even a win won’t guarantee him the championship if Norris finishes second or third.
But he’s not counting himself out - not after what happened in Qatar. “A race like today shows that when you think it’s going to be boring and straightforward - it’s not,” Verstappen said. “So I’m hoping Abu Dhabi is going to be similar.”
From 104 Points Down to a Title Shot: Verstappen’s Late-Season Surge
Let’s not forget where Verstappen was just a few months ago. After the Dutch Grand Prix on August 31, he was 104 points behind in the standings - a gap that had many writing off his title hopes entirely. But since then, he’s chipped away at the lead with a string of gritty performances, capitalizing on every opportunity while McLaren has stumbled just enough to let him back in.
“I’m excited,” Verstappen said of the upcoming finale. “I’m happy to go there and have a go at it.”
Still, he’s realistic about the challenge ahead. McLaren has had the edge on outright pace in recent weeks, and Verstappen knows it may take more than just speed to pull this off.
“On pure pace, we’re not at the same level,” he admitted. “But when strategy comes into play or making the right calls at the right time, we might have the opportunity.”
All Eyes on Abu Dhabi
So here we are: one race to go, three drivers in the hunt, and a title fight that’s gone down to the wire. Verstappen may be trailing, but he’s not backing down - and if there’s one thing this season has taught us, it’s that you can never count him out.
Whether he’s Chucky, the comeback king, or just Max being Max, he’s made this one a finale worth watching. And as the paddock sets up under the lights of Yas Marina, the only thing we know for sure is this: the 2025 F1 season isn’t done surprising us yet.
Abu Dhabi GP Weekend Schedule (All Times Local)
Thursday, December 4
- 11:00 AM - Drivers' Press Conference
- 2:00 PM - Paddock Uncut
Friday, December 5
- 7:00 AM - F2 Practice
- 9:00 AM - F1 Practice One (Session starts at 9:30 AM)
- 10:55 AM - F2 Qualifying
- 11:40 AM - Team Bosses' Press Conference
- 12:45 PM - F1 Practice Two (Session starts at 1:00 PM)
- 2:15 PM - The F1 Show
Saturday, December 6
- 10:15 AM - F1 Practice Three (Session starts at 10:30 AM)
- 12:10 PM - F2 Sprint Race
- 1:15 PM - Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying Build-up
- 2:00 PM - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
- 4:00 PM - Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday, December 7
- 9:10 AM - F2 Feature Race
- 11:00 AM - Grand Prix Sunday: Abu Dhabi GP Build-up
- 1:00 PM - The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- 3:00 PM - Chequered Flag: Post-Race Reaction
- 4:00 PM - Ted’s Notebook
The stage is set. The lights will go out one last time this season. And if Verstappen’s right, this finale might just have a few more plot twists left in it.