Christian Horner has expressed strong confidence in Max Verstappen’s ability to compete against Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris for the 2025 Drivers Championship. Following the Canadian Grand Prix, Verstappen currently trails the McLaren drivers but remains in contention for the title. Horner emphasized the team’s commitment to developing a competitive car that allows Verstappen to maintain pressure on his rivals.
In an interview with De Telegraaf, the Red Bull team principal reiterated his belief in Verstappen’s potential to claim a fifth consecutive world title. Horner acknowledged the challenges ahead but highlighted the target of winning the championship as a driving force for the team.
“Do I still believe in a fifth title? Yes, even though it will be very difficult. Winning this year is still our big goal. There is only one driver who has managed to win five consecutive championships — Michael Schumacher.”
—Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal
“One thing is for sure: we never give up. I have always been the type of person who thinks nothing is impossible. Otherwise, the team would not be where it is now and I would not be in this position. We need to continue to develop the car so that it is good enough for Max to work his magic. That way, we can continue to put pressure on McLaren.”
—Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal
Verstappen narrows gap to McLaren leaders after Canadian Grand Prix podium
Despite currently trailing, Max Verstappen closed the points deficit to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri to 43 points after finishing second in Montreal. Piastri leads the 2025 Drivers Championship with 198 points, while teammate Lando Norris, who suffered a crash during the Canadian GP, holds 176 points. Verstappen’s consistent performances have earned him 155 points this season, reinforcing his ongoing challenge to the McLaren dominance.
If Verstappen manages to secure the title by the end of the 2025 season, he would become the first driver to win five consecutive championships since Michael Schumacher achieved the feat from 2000 to 2004, further underlining the significance of his pursuit.
Former Red Bull driver weighs in on Verstappen’s competition with McLaren
Christian Klien, a former Red Bull race driver, shared his insight regarding Verstappen’s prospects in the title battle against the McLaren duo. Speaking during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Klien stressed that Red Bull’s performance upgrades on the RB21 car would be crucial for Verstappen to seriously contend with McLaren for the championship.
The Austrian highlighted Verstappen’s current strength but indicated that Red Bull must close the performance gap to challenge effectively over the full season.
“Yeah, I think it’s effective—you should never underestimate Verstappen and Red Bull. All weekend, in qualifying and the race, they were beating McLaren, which is their main competitor.
—Christian Klien, Former Red Bull Driver
“…If they can challenge McLaren in the long run for the championship, I think they would need an upgrade that brings them closer—within striking distance, let’s say, to McLaren. But yeah, for now and then, he’s good enough to be on the podium and challenge them.”
—Christian Klien, Former Red Bull Driver
Verstappen remains a formidable contender despite cautious expectations
While Max Verstappen himself has tempered public expectations about winning the 2025 Drivers Championship outright, he remains the only driver apart from the McLaren pair to secure multiple victories this season. His consistent podium finishes highlight his resilience and continued threat in the title chase.
The championship standings after Montreal position Piastri as the points leader, with Norris and Verstappen trailing but still actively contesting the crown. Verstappen’s 2025 Drivers Championship challenge depends heavily on Red Bull’s ability to improve the car’s performance and maintain race-winning form in the coming races.
