Coulthard: Happy Verstappen Closing in on F1 Championship Fight

Max Verstappen has significantly narrowed the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri over the last three race weekends, cutting a substantial 41 points from the deficit. With just 63 points separating them and six Grands Prix and three Sprints remaining, former F1 driver David Coulthard believes a "happy" and mentally recharged Verstappen is increasingly positioning himself for a late-season title challenge.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's late-season surge, after early struggles with his car, could turn what appeared to be a straightforward championship for Oscar Piastri into a thrilling battle. His ability to consistently extract performance, even when the car wasn't optimal, underscores his exceptional talent and could redefine the championship narrative in the final races.

The details:

• Championship Gap: Verstappen has reduced the gap to Oscar Piastri by 41 points over the last three race weekends, bringing the current deficit to 63 points.
• Remaining Races: Six Grands Prix and three Sprint races are left on the F1 2025 calendar, offering ample opportunities for points swings.
• Early Season Struggles: Earlier in the season, Verstappen often battled with the deficiencies of the RB21, leading him to concede he was out of contention for the title.
• Mental Shift: According to Coulthard, Verstappen has made a mental shift, accepting his earlier championship prospects were slim but finding happiness in the car's development progress.
  • "He’s kind of mentally gone, ‘Well, I’m probably not going to win the world championship this time, but that’s fine. I’m in a happy place with the way the car’s being developed,’ he was not happy earlier in the year when it looked like they weren’t making progress."
• Exceptional Talent: Coulthard praises Verstappen's unique ability, stating, "He’s exceptional... It’s like he can see the grip before the others feel the grip."
• Red Bull's Competitiveness: The Red Bull car is now demonstrating competitiveness across all track layouts, which is crucial for Verstappen's championship hopes.

The big picture:

Verstappen's current momentum is a testament to Red Bull's development efforts and his own relentless pursuit of performance. While the early season saw him often battling the car rather than the competition, the team's progress has reignited his confidence and belief. This turnaround positions him as a significant threat to Piastri and Lando Norris, who are currently ahead in the standings. A late-season charge from a driver of Verstappen's caliber could easily disrupt the established order and deliver an unpredictable championship climax.

What's next:

With the Red Bull car's improved performance and Verstappen's renewed focus, the remaining races will be critical. If Red Bull continues its upward trajectory and Verstappen maintains his current form, the championship fight could go down to the wire. The question remains whether Red Bull's 're-awakening' has come at the opportune moment or if the earlier struggles have left them with too much ground to cover against a consistent Piastri and Norris.