Image: from Daniel Valente X @F1GuyDan
By Isabella Harper | Staff Writer with Agencies | October 2025
Max Verstappen remains very much alive in the fight for the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship. After a dominant win at the United States Grand Prix, the Dutch driver has reignited his bid for a fifth world title, turning what once seemed an impossible mission into a realistic challenge.
Before the summer break, Verstappen’s chances of clinching the championship appeared remote. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris were consistently strong, and Red Bull struggled to match their pace. However, momentum has shifted dramatically. McLaren has not won a race since the Dutch Grand Prix, while Verstappen has taken three victories in the last four rounds.
Now, the Red Bull driver sits just 26 points behind Norris and 40 points behind championship leader Piastri. The task remains difficult, but far from unattainable. With 141 points still available, 25 points per race win and eight more from the remaining Sprint races, Verstappen’s title hopes are mathematically very much alive.
For Verstappen to be crowned champion at the final round in Abu Dhabi, he must win all five remaining races, including the Sprint events at Interlagos and Losail. At the same time, Piastri would need to finish second in every Grand Prix for Verstappen to have a chance of overtaking him.
In a scenario where Piastri finishes third once and second in all other races, both drivers would end the season tied at 447 points. However, Verstappen would take the championship on countback, thanks to having more race victories.
This sets the stage for an intense conclusion to the season, as the reigning champion seeks a historic fifth consecutive title. Red Bull’s resurgence and Verstappen’s determination mean the fight for the crown could go down to the wire.
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