Most of the 2025 Formula 1 season has been marked by Max Verstappen’s final reign. The Dutchman, who has dominated the sport in recent years, found himself fighting back early in the season as the duo of young McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris took over the fight for the championship. However, in the approaching end of the season, Verstappen has made a spectacular comeback. Having five race weekends and 141 points to be taken, the Red Bull ace has turned what appeared to be a hopeless campaign into an exciting three-way title fight.
A Rough Start: When Red Bull Lost Its First Mover Advantage.
The situation was also frustrating for Red Bull and Verstappen, to the point where the first rounds of 2025 were in question. The team seemed out of shape and out of time following a few years of success against McLaren. Verstappen was finishing out of the top two in a few of the initial races, which was not a common occurrence given that the 4 time world champion was struggling with a less responsive chassis, having setup issues, and poor tire management.
Meanwhile, the constant improvements made by McLaren and the regularity of Piastri and Norris moved the papaya cars to the fore. By mid-season, Verstappen was already 104 points behind Piastri in the standings, and this was seen as quite an insurmountable distance in the current F1. The philosophy of early-season setup that Red Bull had developed based on increased ride height was not allowing the car to get full use of its aerodynamic capabilities.
Turning the tide: The Mid-season comeback.
Formula 1 seasons can change unexpectedly. The transformation began during the summer break when Red Bull made significant technical and strategic adjustments. Verstappen returned from the break rejuvenated, and his impressive results were evidence of that. Wins at Monza, Baku, and the United States Grand Prix put his championship aspirations back on his agenda and reduced the deficit dramatically.
Since then, Verstappen has never finished outside the top two. Red Bull has given him a new pace, coupled with his trademark accuracy, making him the yardstick of the grid again. The 104-point gap has been reduced to a manageable 40-point gap to the championship leader Piastri and only 26 points behind Norris.
Red Bull: The Revival: Technical Improvements that Drew a Periodic Change.
The renaissance of Red Bull can be dated to one of the most critical upgrades made at Monza, a new floor design that essentially changed the aerodynamic profile of the RB21. The group also insisted on a reduced ride-height package, which enabled the car to be closer to the ground and create greater ground effect downforce. This modification enhanced their balance in medium and low-speed corners, which Red Bull had been struggling with earlier in the year.
His engineers worked closely with Verstappen on fine-tuning this package, as he is known to have provided extensive, detailed technical feedback. Not only did it produce better cornering stability, but it also improved tire wear and traction, which are significant components in the current F1 era. The updates made to the RB21 transformed it into a multi-purpose car, capable of racing on any circuit layout and in any car category, whether it is a tight street circuit or a high-speed circuit like those found in Qatar and Suzuka.
Verstappen Consistency and Strategy Masterclass.
The good car does not make champions, but consistency does. Verstappen has shown the accuracy and calmness that characterized his most successful seasons since the upgrade. Since the summer break, he has been on the podium every race, an impressive achievement that stands out against the other McLaren competitors, whose mistakes and miscalculations have at times been evident.
Red Bull has also raised its strategy for race day. The decision-making process has also been more aggressive, with the pit wall outwitting McLaren in tire selection and changes. The fact that Verstappen can perform under pressure, combined with a healthy run of reliability, has given him the push he needs to make a final push.
Numbers Game: How Verstappen Can Still Win It.
Let’s work out the arithmetic of the title chase. With five race weekends left and 141 points at stake, every finish is crucial, each Sprint. The remaining three weekends feature Sprint races, awarding 8 points for a win and 1 point for eighth place.
Max Verstappen is 40 points behind Piastri, and this gives him an average of 8 points per weekend to pass the Australian. The margin is smaller against Norris about 5 points per race. Put simply, Verstappen must win and hope McLaren drivers are not ranked higher than second.
There is a theoretical best case scenario in which Verstappen wins all the remaining races and Sprints, and Piastri mostly comes in second or third. Then, even a draw in the number of points might give Verstappen the championship by countback, courtesy of his superior race wins.
Quick Championship Standings (After United States GP)
| Position | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 346 |
| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 332 |
| 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 306 |
| 4 | George Russell | Mercedes | 252 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 192 |
The Competitors: The Shape of McLaren and the Pressure for the Future.
Piastri and Norris have both excelled in 2025. The automobile owned by McLaren is a masterpiece of balance and efficiency, and the driver has been able to draw almost maximum potential throughout the year. However, the veins are starting to appear. His racecraft is still above his age, but when Verstappen puts Piastri under constant pressure, even the minor mistakes or choice of strategy may have the final word.
Norris, however, is still pursuing his first world championship and has been emphatic in his belief in it, although Verstappen has been closing in on him like a missile, potentially putting the internal workings of McLaren to the test. One double-DNF or tactical error would tip the balance in favor of Red Bull significantly.
The Final Stretch: Five Races to Decide it All.
The other circuits are an interesting combination. Fast tracks like Qatar and Interlagos (Brazil) may highlight Red Bull’s straight-line prowess, while Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi could expose McLaren’s shortcomings in traction. Each race, qualifying, Sprint, and Grand Prix is an immense weight.
Verstappen is aware that there is no longer any margin of error. To sustain the dream, he must maintain his perfect streak by securing podiums at a minimum, achieving victories at every opportunity, and maximizing his Sprint points. Suppose the better package of Red Bull remains unchanged. In that case, the championship may go down to the final lap in Abu Dhabi, making for a fitting conclusion to one of the most intriguing title battles in Formula 1 history.
FAQs
1. How far is Verstappen behind in points?
He’s around 40 points behind Piastri and 26 behind Norris with 141 still available.
2. What helped Red Bull improve mid-season?
A new floor and lower ride height improved downforce and car balance.
3. How many races remain?
Five weekends, including three Grand Prixs with Sprint races.
4. What must Verstappen do to win?
He needs to outscore Piastri by about 8 points per race on average.
5. Who are his main rivals?
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris remain the key threats.
