Max Verstappen – Foto: @maxverstappen1
Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s star driver, battles a 63-point deficit in the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. Trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who leads with 336 points, and Lando Norris with 314, Verstappen sits third at 273. With six races and three sprint events remaining worldwide, the Dutchman’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive title hinges on near-perfect performances and rival missteps.
Recent wins in Monza and Baku have narrowed the gap. Piastri’s crash at Baku’s start and Norris’s inconsistent finishes opened a window for Verstappen. The focus now shifts to the final races, where strategy and speed will decide the champion.
To overtake Piastri, Verstappen must average 10.5 points more per event, requiring victories while rivals finish third or lower. A total of 174 points remain, split between 150 from races and 24 from sprints, making the task daunting but feasible.
Final races set the stage
The season resumes with the United States GP in Austin from October 17-19. Austin’s high-speed sectors suit Red Bull’s aerodynamics, where Verstappen triumphed in 2021 and 2022. The track’s overtaking zones add unpredictability.
Mexico follows in late October, then Brazil’s Interlagos in November, known for rain-affected races. Verstappen’s 2024 Brazil win under wet conditions highlights his adaptability. These races are pivotal for closing the points gap before Asia’s final stretch.
Red Bull’s tactical upgrades
Red Bull rolled out RB21 upgrades post-Monza, boosting low-speed cornering. The tweaks secured a Baku pole and a 14-second win. Reliability remains key, with Verstappen avoiding retirements since early 2025 setbacks.
The Dutchman adopts a race-by-race mindset, steering clear of bold predictions. His 67 career wins include no Singapore victory, though he earned second there recently. Tire management on abrasive tracks like Austin is a priority.
Piastri’s lead under scrutiny
Oscar Piastri seized the championship lead with consistent top-5 finishes in 15 of 18 races. His Baku crash ended a 34-race streak, but a fourth in Singapore steadied his campaign. McLaren, the 2025 constructors’ champion, balances both drivers’ ambitions.
The 24-year-old Australian claimed poles in Hungary and Italy. Yet, intra-team clashes with Norris, like Singapore’s start, sparked tension. Piastri needs steady podiums to hold his 22-point edge over Norris.
McLaren’s internal rivalry
Lando Norris cut Piastri’s lead to 22 points with an aggressive Singapore move. His Silverstone win in wet conditions showcased his skill, though Baku’s seventh place hurt his momentum. Norris eyes his first title in his sixth full season.
McLaren’s 12 wins in 18 races underline their dominance. Strategic calls, like pit stops during safety cars, shaped recent outcomes. Norris’s battles with Piastri intensify team dynamics.
- Silverstone win: Norris outpaced Piastri, who faced a penalty.
- Singapore third: Gained six points on Piastri from fifth on the grid.
- Baku seventh: Lost ground after a sluggish start on the street circuit.
Points and circuits ahead
The final six races include sprints in Austin, Brazil, and Las Vegas, offering 24 extra points. Las Vegas’s night race in November features long straights, favoring Red Bull’s top speed. Abu Dhabi closes the season on December 7 with 25 points for a win.
Verstappen needs at least four victories, assuming rivals score podiums. Red Bull’s 95% finish rate supports his push, while Mexico’s high altitude challenges McLaren’s Mercedes engines. Verstappen optimizes setups for technical corners.
Verstappen’s recent surge
Verstappen calls his chances “50-50” with a wry smile, noting no recent points losses. His Monza and Baku wins slashed 55 points off the gap. Monza’s race saw him lead from start to finish under scorching heat.
Baku’s pole and 14-second margin over Russell showed Red Bull’s resurgence. Verstappen’s 230 points before these races climbed to 273 post-Singapore. Off-track, he races GT3, winning at Nurburgring to stay sharp.
The RB21 struggled early in 2025 but regained balance with upgrades. Verstappen’s 12 wins in 2024 contrast with 2025’s slower start, yet he now challenges McLaren directly in high-downforce setups.
