Gabriel Bortoleto Hails Max Verstappen's 'One of the Best Comebacks Ever' in F1 Title Bid

Max Verstappen's remarkable late-season surge has transformed his championship prospects, with Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto calling it "one of the best comebacks ever." Verstappen has closed a 104-point deficit to just 40 points behind Oscar Piastri, winning three of the last four races and making a strong case for a fifth consecutive F1 title.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's unexpected resurgence has injected thrilling uncertainty into the F1 championship, defying earlier predictions that saw McLaren's Oscar Piastri as the clear frontrunner. This dramatic shift highlights the dynamic nature of Formula 1 and Verstappen's ability to maximize performance even when his car isn't consistently the strongest, reigniting the battle for the drivers' title in the final rounds.

The Details:

• Dramatic Point Swing: Just four races ago, Verstappen trailed championship leader Oscar Piastri by a significant 104 points. This gap has now been slashed to just 40 points, demonstrating an extraordinary recovery.
• Recent Dominance: Verstappen has secured victories in three of the last four Grand Prix weekends, showcasing a decisive return to form.
• McLaren's Shifting Fortunes: While McLaren appeared dominant earlier in the season, their advantage over the F1 field has seemingly diminished, allowing Red Bull to close the performance gap.
• Bortoleto's Assessment: Gabriel Bortoleto, a close friend of Verstappen, expressed his admiration, stating, "I think what he's doing is incredible. It's one of the best comebacks of a championship ever done in history."
• Red Bull's Evolution: Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies echoed this sentiment, remarking after Verstappen's US Grand Prix win that the Dutchman was producing "history in the making."
  • Bortoleto agreed, noting that Verstappen has been able to remain in title contention for much of the year even without "the best car, or even the top three car." This suggests that the team's significant car evolution since the summer break, coupled with Verstappen's talent, has been pivotal.

Between the lines:

Bortoleto's surprise at Red Bull's ability to significantly evolve the car since the summer break is particularly telling. It underscores the immense challenge of finding such performance gains mid-season, especially when already operating at a high level. This unexpected leap in car development, combined with Verstappen's relentless driving, has been the critical factor in turning the tide of the championship.

What's next:

With five Grand Prix weekends remaining, the championship battle is far from over. Verstappen's momentum, coupled with Red Bull's improved performance, sets the stage for a tense and unpredictable conclusion. The next few races will be crucial in determining whether this comeback culminates in a record-extending fifth consecutive world title for Verstappen, a feat that would solidify his place as one of F1's all-time greats.