Max Verstappen has regained momentum in the closing stages of the 2025 Formula 1 season, winning the last two races after a dip in performance mid-year. Lando Norris, currently second in the drivers’ championship, acknowledged Verstappen’s strong challenge for the title despite trailing the leader, Oscar Piastri, by 69 points. Norris’s remarks highlight the escalating intensity in the championship battle, with Verstappen mounting a serious bid to close the gap in the final races.
Verstappen’s Late-Season Surge Puts Pressure on Championship Leaders
After struggling earlier in the year, Max Verstappen has significantly narrowed the points difference to Oscar Piastri, cutting down a deficit that once exceeded 100 points. This resurgence comes on the back of recent upgrades and improved race results, notably from Red Bull. The Dutchman’s two consecutive victories since the summer break have reaffirmed his status as a fierce contender, revitalizing his hopes of a championship comeback.
Lando Norris spoke candidly about Verstappen’s threat, emphasizing that the Red Bull team remained formidable from the start of the season. According to Norris, both his McLaren squad and Red Bull have exchanged upgrades throughout the year, with recent enhancements giving Verstappen the pace to challenge seriously. Norris remarked,
“He is genuinely a challenger, If you go back to the beginning of the season they were challenging us for the first six or seven races for wins, then we brought some upgrades and improved a little bit. Then they brought a couple of upgrades and that has put them on the same level.”
Norris Reflects on the Ongoing Title Fight and Performance Upgrades
McLaren’s progress during the 2025 season has been evident, though driver errors by Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri have sometimes compromised their chances of accumulating better results. Meanwhile, Verstappen has consistently exploited any mistakes, intensifying the rivalry. Norris pointed out that the critical turning point in Verstappen’s resurgence was reflected in the team’s ability to bring competitive upgrades, especially noticeable during the Monza Grand Prix.
The driver explained that Milton Keynes’ continuous development has placed them on close footing with McLaren, making the championship battle more uncertain. This dynamic has injected palpable tension into the season as Verstappen aggressively pursues more victories in the remaining rounds.
Upcoming Races Could Favor Verstappen’s Speed Advantage
Looking ahead, Norris suggested that Verstappen’s raw pace would make him a favorite at several forthcoming circuits. He cited the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as an example where McLaren’s performance was strong, yet insufficient to keep Verstappen from winning. Norris elaborated that prior races like Monza demonstrated Red Bull’s clear speed advantage, expecting that similar scenarios could recur.
“In Baku we had the car to win and we didn’t. At the round before in Monza they were too quick for us and if there are some races coming up where he is too fast, which is very possible, because I expect them to be quick for many of the races this season…”
he noted.
This acknowledgment underscores the challenges McLaren faces, as they must capitalize on every opportunity while minimizing errors to hold off Verstappen’s charge in the closing stages of the season. The pressure on both teams and drivers is mounting with seven rounds still left in the championship.
Significance for the Closing Stretch of the 2025 Season
As the 2025 Formula 1 championship draws toward its conclusion, the battle among the top drivers grows increasingly intense and unpredictable. Oscar Piastri maintains a steady lead, but Verstappen’s recent form and series of upgrades suggest that he remains a potent threat capable of altering the championship landscape. Norris’s statements reflect a tense atmosphere within the paddock, where no advantage is guaranteed, and every race could tilt the title fight.
The closing races will test the consistency and resilience of the front-runners, with Verstappen’s proven ability to bounce back amplifying the stakes. McLaren’s response to this challenge, along with how Verstappen capitalizes on his momentum, will likely define the 2025 drivers’ championship outcome. Fans and teams alike remain on edge, anticipating a gripping climax to one of the season’s fiercest contests.
