Max Verstappen entered the 2025 Formula 1 season as the defending champion, but with McLaren’s recent performance improvements, the championship battle appeared to be tightly contested, primarily between the McLaren drivers. Yet, Verstappen has staged a remarkable resurgence, prompting Mercedes’ George Russell to make a pointed remark about teammate Lando Norris’s title chances ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. This development has intensified speculation about the Max Verstappen 2025 title race.
Following the summer break, Verstappen and Red Bull have shown renewed speed. The Dutch driver secured second place at his home race and achieved back-to-back victories in Italy and Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, McLaren’s performance has faltered, placing Verstappen just 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri. This momentum shift has once again put Verstappen firmly in the conversation for the championship.
Red Bull’s recent improvement owes much to an upgrade to their car’s floor, which has brought the RB21 into an effective working window. Earlier in the season, Verstappen frequently expressed frustration with the car’s handling and tire performance. However, the second half of the campaign has seen him navigate these challenges more smoothly, reflecting the positive impact of the technical updates.
During the Thursday press conference before the Singapore GP, Formula 1 drivers Esteban Ocon, Lando Norris, and George Russell spoke with host Tom Clarkson. When asked about Verstappen’s likelihood of claiming the 2025 championship, Russell playfully challenged his fellow Briton Norris. When Clarkson requested a percentage estimate of Verstappen’s chances, Russell nonchalantly replied,
“100%”, followed by a cheeky laugh
— George Russell, Mercedes Driver
This comment came in the context of Norris’s challenges in closing the gap to teammate Oscar Piastri. At the Azerbaijan GP, Piastri crashed out early, giving Norris a prime opportunity to gain championship ground, but the Briton could only finish seventh and remains 25 points behind the Australian teammate in the standings.
Perspectives from Lando Norris and Esteban Ocon on Verstappen’s Title Prospects
With seven races remaining this season, including three featuring sprint events, the championship fight remains intense. Verstappen faces the task of outscoring Piastri by roughly 10 points each weekend to reclaim the lead and secure the title in 2025. Even one retirement from Piastri could dramatically shift the championship landscape, enhancing Verstappen’s chances.
When Tom Clarkson asked both Norris and Esteban Ocon about Verstappen’s chances at the Singapore press conference, their answers reflected uncertainty but acknowledged the Dutchman’s capability to remain competitive.
“Uh, I mean, there’s a chance. More than zero. Uhm. Uh, I don’t know there’s probably like actual stats, so.. Uhm, I don’t know. Yeah, there’s a chance,” said Norris
— Lando Norris, McLaren Driver
“I mean we all know Max, and how dangerous he is when there is something to grab. There’s a good chance, if he’s got a competitive car until the end of the year, he can catch back,” responded Ocon
— Esteban Ocon, Driver
The Singapore circuit has historically posed challenges for Red Bull, so a strong Verstappen showing at this street race could signify his genuine return to title contention. Performing well here would be critical, especially with the championship tightly contested and every point crucial.
Red Bull’s Technical Edge and Its Impact on the Championship Battle
The floor upgrades introduced by Red Bull have played a pivotal role in improving the RB21 car’s performance in recent weeks. After struggles earlier in the season with tire degradation and balance issues, Verstappen now reports that the car operates within its optimal parameters. This technical progress has translated into improved race pace and consistency, enabling Red Bull to challenge McLaren and the championship leader more effectively.
As the calendar runs down, the battle between Verstappen, Piastri, Norris, and others is expected to intensify further. With the 2025 title within reach but far from secured, each remaining race will heighten pressure on drivers and teams alike.
Drivers’ Mindsets Amidst a Tense Title Fight
The mixed emotions among the drivers were evident during media engagements leading up to the Singapore GP. Russell’s lighthearted jab at Norris suggests some underlying tension and rivalry within the British contingent. Norris’s hesitant words reveal the weight of pressure he faces trying to close a growing gap in the standings. Meanwhile, Ocon’s respect for Verstappen’s well-known tenacity underscores the Dutch driver’s reputation as a formidable opponent.
Verstappen’s ability to capitalize on his car’s improved form and a favorable sequence of races could prove decisive. If his Red Bull team can sustain this momentum combined with skillful driving, he stands a strong chance to overturn the current championship deficit.
With seven critical Grand Prix weekends remaining, the 2025 Formula 1 championship race remains wide open. Fans, teams, and drivers all watch anxiously, aware that any twist or setback could change the trajectory of the title fight heading into the season’s closing stages.
Q: Give us a percentage number of chance for Max Verstappen to win the title…
George: "100%." *laughs*pic.twitter.com/rXnHjKbuRB
— Verstappen News (@verstappenews) October 2, 2025
