Max Verstappen’s name is at the forefront of every championship conversation. The four-time world champion is still widely regarded as the best driver on the grid. The latest championship results show how close the race for the 2025 title is, with the top two drivers on the McLaren Formula 1 team: Norris, 390 points, Piastri, 366 points, and Verstappen, 341 points. Verstappen still has a chance to win in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. He’d likely need to win all three in a row.
And just when it appeared like McLaren’s domination was unstoppable, their fate reminded everyone that Formula One never goes in a straight line. At the 2025 United States Grand Prix Sprint Race in Austin, a big incident in Turn 1 threw both McLaren cars off their rhythm and gave Max Verstappen a chance. The Dutchman capitalized on the opportunity with his customary perfection, finishing in 1st place and reclaiming eight valuable points to close the distance on the papaya combination. It was a flash of vintage Red Bull brilliance, the kind of weekend that reminded the paddock why Verstappen can never be counted out, even when McLaren appears to be dominating the season. Verstappen went on to win the US Grand Prix the following day.
Verstappen produced a thrilling performance in the São Paulo GP, beginning in last position with a pit lane start and improving 17 positions to finish 3rd and on the podium. Verstappen led the race on Sunday for a brief period of time. To refresh readers’ memories, Verstappen started 17th and won the São Paulo GP in 2024. After running a masterclass in Brazil for the second year in a row, fans are questioning whether Verstappen is even human.
Even though Lando won the race, the McLaren driver’s performance was largely ignored as the racing world applauded Max.
Max’s Oracle Red Bull team may not be as dominating as it once was, but no one in the paddock is foolish enough to write him off completely. Verstappen may still win the 2025 World Championship. With three races remaining and a 49-point deficit behind Lando Norris, and considering the unpredictable nature of Formula One, Max still has a chance. Las Vegas is where Max could repeat his performance from last year and take another win. It might be a long shot for most drivers on the grid, but for Max Verstappen, the championship is still in his sights.
While Norris and Piastri are seemingly locked in a battle between teammates, they face a threat neither has truly experienced in a title fight. Verstappen is not a peak to be scaled; he is a relentless force with nothing to lose and is the reigning world champion. He is the storm on the horizon, and McLaren’s internal ‘double charge’ might be the one thing that splits their focus and allows him to spoil their championship.
Under new team principal Laurent Mekies, the task for Oracle Red Bull Racing is crystal clear: Verstappen must win the final three races, starting in Vegas.
The brilliant lights of Las Vegas Boulevard will be the backdrop for this high-stakes championship gamble on November 22nd. It’s a 49-point deficit. It’s a long shot. But as Austin and São Paulo proved, a cornered Verstappen is the most dangerous driver on the grid. The question is no longer if McLaren can be beaten, but rather the question is if even three perfect races from a relentless champion will be enough to spoil their party.
