Charles Leclerc has expressed surprise at the idea that Max Verstappen could secure the 2025 F1 drivers’ championship, despite the Dutch driver’s recent successes. Verstappen’s back-to-back wins in Monza and Baku have boosted his position, yet he remains 69 points behind Oscar Piastri, with just seven rounds left in the season, making the fight for the title far from certain.
The recent surge in Red Bull’s performance, attributed to a major floor upgrade, has reignited discussions about Verstappen’s chances for the 2025 title. However, doubts persist over whether Red Bull can consistently outperform McLaren across the varied circuits remaining this season.
Recent Race Performances and Track-Specific Insights
While Verstappen’s form has improved at circuits like Monza and Baku, both known for low downforce setups and relatively low tyre wear, McLaren has generally excelled on tracks that demand mid-to-high downforce and involve higher tyre degradation, especially given the hot conditions they have faced this season. This distinction highlights the strategic challenges that lie ahead for Red Bull as the calendar moves forward.
The upcoming Singapore Grand Prix is expected to be a critical test in determining whether Verstappen can maintain his momentum and genuinely threaten McLaren’s lead in the title race.
Leclerc’s Perspective on the Title Contenders
Leclerc praised Verstappen’s recent form but remains convinced that either Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris will ultimately claim the championship. Verstappen managed to reduce Piastri’s lead by 25 points in Azerbaijan, a race where the Australian faced significant setbacks including a crash in qualifying and an early exit due to a jump start and collision on the first lap.
I think Max is doing fantastic right now. Hats off to him. I’d be really surprised if Max wins. It’s definitely going to be Oscar or Lando this year,
Leclerc said.
Despite Norris anticipating difficulties in Las Vegas, other upcoming races seem suited to McLaren’s strengths, reinforcing Leclerc’s belief that Red Bull’s dominance will not return unchallenged.
I really don’t think Max is leaving anything behind, I’m sure of that,
Leclerc added.
They’ve clearly made a step forward with that car and are now at a really high level.
It’s a close call between McLaren and Red Bull. The last two weekends weren’t particularly strong for McLaren, but I don’t think Red Bull will dominate again.
What Lies Ahead in the Championship Battle
With only a handful of races remaining and the championship still open, the battle between Verstappen and the McLaren drivers is shaping up to be closely contested. Leclerc’s cautious assessment reflects the unpredictable nature of the season, where track characteristics and team performance upgrades will likely dictate the outcome of the title race.
The next few Grands Prix, especially the challenging Singapore event, will be pivotal in revealing whether Verstappen can sustain his recent momentum or if McLaren will consolidate their advantage toward the 2025 title.
