If you’ve been following the F1 2025 season, you already know it’s been a rollercoaster ride. McLaren and its duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have been ruling the headlines, leading the drivers’ title with an impressive combined 600+ points. But lurking in the shadows is none other than Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, who’s hungry and making his move with 281 points. So, the big question is: Can McLaren now stop Max Verstappen from snatching the driver’s title? Let’s find out.
McLaren’s Comeback Of The Century
First off, McLaren’s story in 2025 has been nothing short of a comeback saga. Piastri and Norris have dominated the season, showcasing not just raw speed but solid team chemistry and reliability, something McLaren desperately needed after tough years. Their consistent podium finishes and strong qualifying pace have given them a hefty cushion at the top. For most of the season, it looked like Verstappen was chasing shadows.
United States Grand Prix Sprint: The Race That Changed It All
However, the recent United States Grand Prix sprint shook things up dramatically. Both McLaren drivers crashed out in a fiery first-lap melee at the iconic Circuit of the Americas, handing Max Verstappen a golden chance he grabbed with both hands by winning the sprint. That win pumped 8 precious points into his title defence and slashed his deficit to Oscar Piastri to 55 points. Norris, who was also knocked out, is now only 33 points ahead of Max. With only six races and two sprint races remaining, the sprint bonus points have added new spice to this championship fight.
Max Verstappen’s Villain Era Since Summer Break
Max Verstappen’s form since the summer break has been jaw-dropping. The “Mad Max” has won races in Monza and Baku and finished consistently near the top, putting pressure on McLaren’s front runners, who have shown minor cracks under pressure. Verstappen’s car upgrades, tactical brilliance, and sheer racecraft are making this season’s finale look like a ‘choose your fighter’ matchup.
But McLaren isn’t just sitting back. Their advantage in the standings comes from teamwork and remarkable consistency. Piastri’s calm race temperament and Norris’s aggressive yet calculated style have combined well; when they avoid collisions with each other, they’re almost unbeatable. This internal balance will be key. If McLaren’s drivers continue to falter against each other or suffer bad luck, Max Verstappen can and will capitalise.
Adding to McLaren’s favour, the 2025 rule change removed the fastest lap point, so no sneaky extra points will be up for grabs. Every point from qualifying, sprints, and race finishes counts now.
Max Verstappen’s 5th Championship In 2025? Possible But Steep Climb
Realistically, Max Verstappen faces a steep climb. To overtake Piastri, he must outscore him by an average of roughly 9 points per weekend, a challenge but not impossible for a driver of his calibre. Meanwhile, McLaren wants to maintain their guard by keeping both drivers on the track and scoring maximum points, turning the remaining races into a thrilling chess game on wheels.
So, can McLaren now stop Max Verstappen from snatching the title? The answer: It’s far from sealed. McLaren holds the lead, but Verstappen’s recent surge means they can’t afford any more slip-ups. The title fight is wide open and heading for a nail-biting finish that every F1 fan dreamed of. Buckle up, because this season’s final act is going to be unforgettable.
Also read: Austin Sprint 2025 Full Results And Recap
