Max Verstappen F1 title comeback hopes are alive as the world champion closed in dramatically on the points leader ahead of the season’s final race. Following a daunting 104-point deficit to Oscar Piastri after the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen and the Red Bull team have staged a remarkable rally, narrowing the gap to just 12 points behind Lando Norris with everything to play for at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Only a single Grand Prix remains in the high-stakes 2025 championship, with Verstappen slashing Piastri’s once-massive advantage to a mere four points behind Norris. The Dutch star’s pursuit of a fifth crown has reignited excitement, and a strong podium finish in Abu Dhabi could return him to motorsport’s summit, provided Norris feels the weight of pressure in this final confrontation.
Bernie Ecclestone Puts His Faith in Verstappen
Formula 1’s longtime figurehead, Bernie Ecclestone, has voiced his strong support for Max Verstappen as the championship comes to its climax. Despite Lando Norris currently leading the rankings, Ecclestone expressed confidence during a recent interview:
“I still believe Max will do it. He deserves it.”
—Bernie Ecclestone, Former F1 Chief Executive
The 95-year-old icon, who previously praised Alain Prost as the most outstanding driver, now believes Verstappen stands unrivaled in the current era, crediting him with a talent that eclipses his rivals and sets him apart on the F1 stage.
Lando Norris Faces High-Pressure Critiques
As anticipation builds towards Abu Dhabi, scrutiny has intensified around Lando Norris. While his talent is widely acknowledged, Ecclestone highlighted what he believes to be Norris’s critical weakness under pressure:
“He gets nervous at crunch moments and can’t quite deliver the way Max can when the pressure is on,”
—Bernie Ecclestone, Former F1 Chief Executive
This reputation of faltering during crucial times could become decisive in the season’s dramatic conclusion, with Norris needing to stay composed against Verstappen’s relentless pursuit.
Questions Surround McLaren’s Team Strategies
Ecclestone has also cast doubt on McLaren’s approach, pointing to perceived favoritism toward Norris over teammate Oscar Piastri. Prominent decisions throughout the season, especially during pivotal races like Monza, have fueled debate over the team’s role in shaping the championship battle:
“McLaren have been very helpful to Lando over Oscar.”
—Bernie Ecclestone, Former F1 Chief Executive
“A bad pit stop is part of racing. You have to accept it, not engineer it,”
—Bernie Ecclestone, Former F1 Chief Executive
These comments suggest McLaren’s strategic choices may come under harsher scrutiny should the finale’s outcome hinge on team-related calls or errors.
Final Race Showdown Set to Define F1 Legacy
With just one event left, Max Verstappen finds himself with little to lose as he pushes for what would be a fifth world title. Ecclestone summed up the sentiment:
“You can never bet against Max. He is something special,”
—Bernie Ecclestone, Former F1 Chief Executive
As the paddock descends on Yas Marina for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the tension is unmistakable and the momentum with Verstappen. The championship’s outcome will influence not only the current standings but also cement the legacies of Lando Norris and Max Verstappen during one of Formula 1’s most fiercely contested seasons.
Onlookers worldwide now turn to Abu Dhabi, where one driver will claim glory and write their name into the annals of the sport. Whether Lando Norris withstands the pressure, or Verstappen’s relentless drive delivers another historic chapter, the Max Verstappen F1 title comeback has ensured this finale will be remembered for years to come.
