Perez Predicts Max Verstappen Will Win Title Amidst McLaren's 'Messing Around'

Max Verstappen is making a strong push to claim his fifth consecutive Drivers' Championship, a remarkable recovery mission gaining momentum as he heads into the final four rounds just 36 points behind Lando Norris. His former Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, is backing Verstappen to secure the title, citing McLaren's perceived missteps.

Why it matters:

• After a challenging start to the season, Verstappen's resurgence has injected late drama into the championship fight, potentially denying McLaren a title double.
• The outcome will significantly impact the legacy of both Verstappen's unprecedented run and McLaren's strategy in managing two competing drivers for the championship.

The Details:

• Verstappen has four Grands Prix and two Sprint races remaining to overturn the 36-point deficit.
• McLaren has maintained an equal playing field for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, despite their recent dip in dominance.
• Norris's victory in Mexico put him back atop the Drivers' Championship, but only one point now separates him from Piastri.
• Perez's Endorsement: Sergio Perez, Verstappen's former teammate, told Sky F1 that Verstappen has been "the action of the year" and deserves the 2025 crown, noting that "with McLaren messing around, I think he has a real chance of getting it done."
• Perez believes Verstappen will "get the job done," calling it one of the greatest championship comebacks.
• Verstappen's Perspective: Despite reducing his deficit, Verstappen remains cautious, stating after the Mexican GP that he "lost 10 to Lando" and that "everything needs to go perfect to win."
• He acknowledged that the weekend "didn't go perfect," highlighting that Red Bull isn't consistently quick in every scenario, an area they need to better understand.

What's next:

With only a few races left, the pressure is on both Verstappen and McLaren. If Verstappen can maintain his current form and McLaren continues to split resources between Norris and Piastri, a historic comeback could be on the cards. The upcoming races will be crucial in determining if Verstappen can secure his fifth consecutive title or if McLaren can solidify its position and deliver a long-awaited championship.