Bernie Ecclestone Backs 'Special' Verstappen for 2025 F1 Title

Bernie Ecclestone believes Max Verstappen is now the favorite to win the 2025 F1 title, despite trailing both McLaren drivers in the standings. The former F1 supremo praised Verstappen as a "special" driver, highlighting his focus and Red Bull's strong car.

Why it matters:

After a challenging start to the season, Verstappen's resurgence and Ecclestone's endorsement signal a significant shift in the perceived championship battle. This could intensify the fight in the remaining four rounds, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as the season draws to a close.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Position: Heading into the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Verstappen sits 36 points behind Lando Norris in the drivers' standings, with 33 points available during the sprint weekend.
• Ecclestone's Assessment: When asked if Verstappen is the title favorite, Ecclestone told sport.de, "There’s no doubt about that." He added, "The car is super. They've done a good job with the car. But Max is a little bit special. He's a race driver. He gets on with what he's supposed to be doing. He's not political, he's just a race driver."
• Piastri's Setback: Oscar Piastri lost the championship lead to his teammate Lando Norris at the Mexico City Grand Prix, finishing fifth. This marks the first time since Bahrain that the Australian is not at the top of the drivers’ standings.
• McLaren's Internal Dynamics: Ecclestone speculated on Piastri's performance, stating, "Something's holding him back. I don't know what it is. I don't know whether it's McLaren holding him back or what." He also suggested there was "a bit of a problem with inside the team...where it looked very much like they were favouring the British driver."
• Norris's Appeal: Ecclestone believes a Norris title would be "better" for McLaren, noting, "I think he would fall into the star quality more. I think from that point of view, he would act better. I think he likes the television, likes the camera, likes to speak to journalists. So, I suppose that's better for McLaren."

The Big Picture:

Ecclestone's comments underscore the intense rivalry brewing at the top of F1. While McLaren's drivers have shown impressive pace, the championship fight remains wide open, with the seasoned perspective of Ecclestone lending weight to Verstappen's chances, despite his current points deficit. The dynamic within McLaren, particularly concerning perceived favoritism, adds another layer of intrigue to the final races.

What's next:

With four rounds remaining, the championship is far from decided. The upcoming Sao Paulo Grand Prix, a sprint weekend, offers a crucial opportunity for drivers to gain significant points. The performance of both Red Bull and McLaren, coupled with any internal team strategies, will be under intense scrutiny as the title fight reaches its climax.