Coulthard: 'Exceptional' Verstappen Closing in on 2025 F1 Title Fight

Former F1 driver David Coulthard believes a "happy" Max Verstappen is steadily closing the gap to the championship leaders, positioning himself for a strong challenge in the remainder of the 2025 season. Despite earlier struggles with his car, Verstappen has recently cut Oscar Piastri's championship lead by 41 points over the last three race weekends, narrowing the gap to 63 points with six Grands Prix and three Sprints remaining.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen, a four-time reigning world champion, has faced an uncharacteristically challenging start to the 2025 season. His recent surge in performance and closing of the points gap indicate a critical turning point for Red Bull. A resurgent Verstappen could ignite a fierce three-way battle for the championship, adding significant excitement and unpredictability to the latter half of the F1 season.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Recovery: Over the past three race weekends, Verstappen has gained 41 points on championship leader Oscar Piastri, reducing the deficit to 63 points.
• Remaining Races: There are six Grands Prix and three Sprint races left on the F1 2025 calendar.
• Coulthard's Assessment: David Coulthard describes Verstappen as "exceptional," stating, "It’s like he can see the grip before the others feel the grip." He distinguishes Verstappen from other great drivers, labeling him truly exceptional.
• Mental Shift: Earlier in the season, Verstappen was reportedly unhappy with the car's progress and felt out of championship contention. However, Coulthard notes a mental shift, suggesting Verstappen is now in a "happy place" due to the car's improved development.
• Red Bull's Competitiveness: The Red Bull car is now proving its competitiveness across various track layouts, enabling Verstappen to close in on both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the standings.

The Big Picture:

Verstappen's early season frustrations highlight Red Bull's initial struggles to adapt to the 2025 regulations or design an immediately dominant car. This allowed McLaren, with Piastri and Norris, to establish a significant lead. However, Red Bull's recent progress, coupled with Verstappen's undeniable talent, suggests they are beginning to unlock the car's full potential. This late-season awakening could dramatically alter the championship narrative, transforming what was once a comfortable lead for McLaren into a tense fight to the finish.

What's Next:

Verstappen's recent warning to Red Bull emphasized the need for consistent wins to defend his title. If Red Bull can maintain their current development trajectory and consistently challenge for victories, Verstappen's push for a fifth consecutive world title will intensify. The upcoming races will be crucial in determining whether Red Bull's resurgence has come in time to mount a successful championship challenge or if McLaren's early advantage will prove insurmountable.