Leclerc 'Very Surprised' If Verstappen Wins 2025 F1 Title Amid McLaren Battle

Charles Leclerc has expressed significant doubt regarding Max Verstappen's chances of clinching the 2025 Formula 1 championship, despite Verstappen's impressive recent recovery. McLaren, specifically Oscar Piastri, dominated the season until the summer break, establishing a substantial lead. However, Verstappen has mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to 40 points with four victories and a second-place finish in the last four Grands Prix.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's pursuit of an unlikely 2025 F1 title, despite McLaren's earlier dominance, highlights a pivotal shift in momentum and development strategies among top teams. This late-season surge from Red Bull challenges the conventional wisdom that early leads are insurmountable, making the championship fight one of the most compelling in recent memory and potentially rewriting the narrative of what’s possible in F1.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Surge: Following a season where McLaren's Oscar Piastri built a 104-point lead after the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen has drastically cut the deficit to 40 points. His recent run includes four victories (one sprint) and a second-place finish in the last four races.
• Development Differences: Leclerc attributes Verstappen's comeback partly to Red Bull's continued aggressive development of the RB21. Ferrari and McLaren, by contrast, reportedly halted significant car development "quite a while ago," focusing on 2026 regulations.
• Leclerc's Skepticism: Despite Verstappen's strong form, Leclerc remains unconvinced, stating he'd be "very surprised" if Verstappen, currently 40 points down, secures the title. He would "bet one dollar" on the McLaren drivers.
• Peer Reactions: Other drivers, particularly rookies, are highly impressed. Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto, a friend of Verstappen, called it "one of the best comebacks of a championship... ever done in history." Haas rookie Oliver Bearman branded Verstappen "the best driver that's ever been in F1."
• Psychological Edge: Williams' Carlos Sainz suggested Verstappen benefits from an "underdog" mentality, adopting a "nothing to lose" philosophy that reduces pressure and allows him to "just go and send it." Alpine's Pierre Gasly echoed this, praising Verstappen's "resilience."

The big picture:

The differing opinions among drivers reflect the intensity and unpredictability of the current F1 season. While Leclerc's pragmatism points to the significant points gap, the younger generation of drivers, like Bortoleto and Bearman, emphasize Verstappen's unparalleled skill and Red Bull's development prowess. This championship battle is not just about car performance but also about driver psychology and strategic development, making the final five rounds a captivating watch.

What's next:

The remaining five rounds of the 2025 F1 season will determine whether Verstappen can complete an extraordinary comeback or if McLaren can hold off the resurgent Red Bull. The championship is poised for a thrilling conclusion, with Gasly noting, "Can Lando win? Yes. Can Piastri win? Yes. Can Max win? Yes." The psychological battle and on-track performances will be critical in crowning the champion.