Since Formula One resumed after its summer break, Max Verstappen’s performance has noticeably improved, reigniting his Max Verstappen championship challenge. Meanwhile, McLaren has been plagued by errors that have allowed Verstappen to close the points gap. If this trend persists, Verstappen could secure his fifth driver’s championship, potentially leaving McLaren to settle for just the constructor’s title this season. Even Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has expressed concern about underestimating Verstappen’s comeback.
Toto Wolff’s Warning: Why McLaren Must Not Underestimate Verstappen
The action after the break began with the Dutch Grand Prix, held at Verstappen’s home track, where he finished second while McLaren’s Lando Norris failed to finish. At the subsequent Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen dominated by securing pole position and winning the race, while both McLaren drivers, Norris and Oscar Piastri, finished second and third respectively.
Verstappen’s strong form continued into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the tight and narrow Baku street circuit, which has been challenging for many drivers. Norris barely managed seventh place, and championship leader Piastri retired from the race, shifting the championship dynamics considerably. Verstappen took the win once again, marking his fourth victory and eighth podium finish of the season, yet he still trails Piastri by 69 points.
Although seven races remain in the season, Verstappen faces a tough challenge to defend his title at age 28. Despite this, Wolff emphasized the importance of remaining alert to Verstappen’s potential, especially given recent race outcomes. He said,
“He’s had a good run, the car is good, and Max Verstappen, you always need to be wary of what he can achieve, especially if he’s seeing that it’s actually back on the cards. It’s a long shot. Things need to work in his favour, but you can see [with] a DNF for the championship leader and Max scoring 25 points, it can swing quickly.”
Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal
Mathematical Hurdles and Verstappen’s Realistic Approach to the Championship
Despite his recent resurgence, Verstappen still faces a significant points deficit. To overtake Piastri in the standings, Verstappen must outscore him by at least 10 points per race across the remaining seven Grands Prix, which would put him narrowly ahead by the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Alternatively, Verstappen will need Piastri to encounter severe setbacks in upcoming races to improve his chances.
Given these challenges, Verstappen is cautious about his prospects this season. Discussing his situation, he remarked,
“It’s seven races to go and it’s still 69 points, it’s a lot. Basically everything needs to go perfectly from my side, and then a bit of luck from their side I need as well, so it’s still very tough.”
Max Verstappen, Formula One Driver
Verstappen’s strategy is to remain focused on each race individually rather than getting ahead of himself. He explained,
“I mean, I don’t rely on hope. I personally don’t think about it. I just go race by race, what I have been doing basically the whole season, just trying to do the best we can, try to score the most points that we can. And then after Abu Dhabi, we’ll know.”
Max Verstappen, Formula One Driver
Implications for the 2025 Season and What Lies Ahead
The intense rivalry between Verstappen and McLaren’s leading drivers, particularly Piastri and Norris, has made the 2025 Formula One season a gripping spectacle. Verstappen’s ability to capitalize on McLaren’s mistakes and his own resilience threatens to upset expectations and alter championship outcomes.
Should Verstappen maintain his current momentum and benefit from a bit of fortune, he could add a fifth driver’s title to his record. Conversely, if McLaren steadies its performance while continuing to accumulate points, the team may secure its place as both constructor and drivers’ championship leader.
As the season approaches its final stages, every race will be critical. Observers and fans alike will be watching closely to see if Verstappen’s comeback can culminate in an unprecedented title win or if a new champion will emerge in the 2025 Formula One campaign.
Toto Wolff on Max Verstappen's chances for the championship:
🗣️"He’s had a good run, the car is good, and Max Verstappen, you always need to be wary of what he can achieve, especially if he’s seeing that it’s actually back on the cards."
🗣️"It’s a long shot. Things need to work… pic.twitter.com/oy9zE0iV2E
— MV33Racing🏎 (@MV33Racing) September 29, 2025
