Why McLaren Can't Rule Out Max Verstappen for the 2025 F1 Title

Despite McLaren's recent dominance and their drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris leading the 2025 F1 championship, the team consistently refuses to dismiss Max Verstappen as a threat. With seven race weekends left, Verstappen has clawed back a significant points deficit, proving his relentless ability to capitalize on any opportunity, a quality that keeps the paddock on edge.

Why it matters:

McLaren's cautious stance highlights the unique threat posed by Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion known for his unparalleled skill and ability to maximize any car's potential. Even with a seemingly dominant car, McLaren understands that F1 is unpredictable, and Verstappen's presence means the title fight is far from over until the very last race.

The details:

• Verstappen's resurgence: The Red Bull driver has significantly closed the gap to championship leader Piastri, reducing a 104-point deficit to 69 points in just two rounds with consecutive wins in Monza and Baku.
• McLaren's missed opportunity: While Piastri crashed out in Baku, failing to score, Norris only managed seventh, allowing Verstappen to gain crucial points.
• Paddock's view on Verstappen: Many drivers and team principals, including Haas's Esteban Ocon and Mercedes' George Russell, believe Verstappen has a strong chance if Red Bull provides him with a competitive car. Russell even gave him a “100%” possibility.
• Stella's acknowledgement: McLaren team boss Andrea Stella recognizes Verstappen's experience as a four-time world champion, stating, “he’s Max Verstappen - world champion for the last four years,” emphasizing his dangerous potential.
• Norris's perspective: Lando Norris has openly praised Verstappen, calling him “one of the best ever, and if not the best in Formula 1,” and noting that beating him is “pretty slim at times.” This indicates the mental edge Verstappen holds over his rivals.

The big picture:

Verstappen's consistent performance, even in less dominant machinery earlier in the season, underscores his ability to deliver under pressure. His record-breaking 19 wins in 2023 with a dominant car serves as a stark reminder of what he can achieve when given the tools. The recent pre-Monza floor upgrade to his Red Bull has seemingly unlocked more performance, allowing him to challenge the McLarens more directly.

What's next:

The upcoming Singapore Grand Prix is expected to be another crucial battleground. Both Piastri and Norris anticipate strong competition from Verstappen and Red Bull. McLaren's continued caution is a strategic acknowledgment that the championship is far from decided. Verstappen, with “nothing to lose,” maintains a relaxed but focused approach, indicating he will relentlessly pursue every opportunity to close the gap further. Another misstep from McLaren could put Verstappen right back in the heart of the title fight.