Lando Norris has cautioned against underestimating Max Verstappen’s chances in the 2025 Formula One title fight, even as McLaren dominates this season. Currently second in the drivers’ standings behind teammate Oscar Piastri, Norris recognizes Verstappen as a persistent challenge despite McLaren’s stronghold on the championship.
At present, Norris trails Piastri by just three points. Piastri has impressively won four of the eight races so far, helping McLaren build a commanding 172-point lead in the constructors’ championship. Meanwhile, Verstappen, the reigning world champion, remains the only driver outside McLaren to have won a race this year, taking victories in both the Japanese and Emilia Romagna Grands Prix.
Although Red Bull has encountered difficulties with their RB21 car—particularly visible in Bahrain and Monaco—Norris insists these setbacks do not rule Verstappen out of the title race. He emphasized Verstappen’s constant presence as a frontrunner on race weekends, noting,
“He’s been on the podium several times. He’s won races. I mean, he beat us in Imola, fair and square, because he was quicker.”
—Lando Norris, F1 Driver
Norris’ Approach Remains Focused Despite Championship Standing
Despite the rivalry between Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri, Norris maintains a steady and determined mindset. Speaking about leading the championship, he explained,
“It’s a great feeling to be in the lead of the championship and to have more points than everyone,”
—Lando Norris, F1 Driver but added that this position has not changed his daily focus or goals on race weekends.
Norris enters the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona with growing confidence after converting his Monaco pole position into his second win of the 2025 season. A strong result in Spain would mark his twelfth career pole and his third consecutive weekend securing double pole positions. Achieving back-to-back poles in Spain would place him alongside Lewis Hamilton, the last driver to manage that feat.
Max Verstappen’s Strong History at the Barcelona Circuit
Max Verstappen has demonstrated consistently strong performances at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, securing more podiums (eight) and victories (four) there than at any other venue on the F1 calendar. If he earns at least 11 points in the upcoming race, it would represent his highest single-race points total of the season, surpassing his current best of 10 points at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Despite not having claimed pole position since the Miami Grand Prix—his third pole of the season—Verstappen has shown a remarkable ability to win from starting positions other than pole. If he wins in Spain without starting first on the grid, it would become his 33rd victory under these conditions, matching Alain Prost for the third-highest number of such wins in Formula One history. This capability illustrates Verstappen’s skill in overcoming less favorable starting positions to remain a top competitor.
Current Standings Reflect Intense Championship Battle
In the drivers‘ championship, Oscar Piastri leads with 161 points, followed closely by Lando Norris on 158 points, and Max Verstappen with 136 points. Mercedes’ George Russell occupies fourth place with 99 points, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc stands fifth at 79 points.
The constructors‘ championship shows McLaren comfortably at the front with 319 points. Mercedes holds second place with 147 points, closely followed by Red Bull at 143 points. Ferrari ranks fourth with 142 points, and Williams rounds out the top five with 54 points.
McLaren is poised to extend an impressive record of scoring points in 46 consecutive Grands Prix. Achieving a points finish in Spain would surpass Ferrari’s previous record, further underscoring McLaren’s dominant form so far in the 2025 season and solidifying their position as the team to beat.
Prospects for the Spanish Grand Prix and the Title Race
The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix offers an important milestone in the 2025 championship. With Norris aiming to continue his streak of poles and convert his strong qualifying pace into another race win, this event will test McLaren’s ability to maintain their form. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s proven skill at the Barcelona circuit and history of success from non-pole positions make him a dangerous contender, capable of changing the championship’s momentum.
As the season progresses, the points battle remains tight among leading drivers, heightening the tension and uncertainty about who will secure the title. Norris’s cautionary message serves as a reminder that Verstappen’s experience and tenacity keep him firmly in the fight, ensuring that the 2025 Formula One championship remains fiercely competitive.
