The 2025 Formula 1 season has been one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Following his Azerbaijan Grand Prix win, Max Verstappen has reignited hopes of a late surge for the F1 Drivers’ Championship. But can the Dutchman realistically overturn the points deficit to Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris? Let’s break down the current standings, Verstappen’s chances, and the crucial role his McLaren rivals play in the title race.
Current Formula 1 Championship Standings (Post-Azerbaijan GP 2025)
After the dramatic Azerbaijan GP at the Baku City Circuit, here’s how the leaderboard looks:
- Oscar Piastri – 324 points
- Lando Norris – 299 points
- Max Verstappen – 255 points
Verstappen’s win in Baku was more than just a victory—it was a grand slam (pole position, fastest lap, race win, and leading every lap). It showcased his dominance on the street circuit and reminded everyone that the reigning champion is still a serious contender. With seven races left (including sprint weekends), Verstappen trails Piastri by 69 points and Norris by 44 points. Mathematically, he’s still in contention. Realistically, it’s a steep challenge.
What Max Verstappen Needs to Stay in the F1 2025 Title Fight
For Verstappen to mount a serious comeback, everything has to align:
- Maximum results – Wins, podiums, fastest laps, and sprint points are non-negotiable. Every point matters.
- Track advantage – Circuits where Red Bull and Verstappen traditionally excel (like Suzuka or Mexico) must deliver victories.
- Zero mistakes – Retirement, strategy errors, or penalties could end his title hopes instantly.
The Role of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the F1 2025 Championship Battle
While Verstappen can control his own performances, his fate largely depends on Piastri and Norris:
- Oscar Piastri holds the strongest position. With a sizeable lead, consistent finishes—even without wins—could be enough to secure him the 2025 F1 Drivers’ Championship. Unless he suffers DNFs or major errors, Verstappen faces an uphill battle.
- Lando Norris is both a rival and a spoiler. If Norris consistently beats Verstappen, Max’s chances shrink. However, if Norris takes points off Piastri while Verstappen outperforms Norris, the title picture tightens.
McLaren’s reliability and consistency will therefore play a huge role. Azerbaijan showed cracks—Piastri’s jump start and crash cost him dearly. But repeating those mistakes across several weekends is far from guaranteed.
What Are the Odds of Verstappen Winning the 2025 F1 Championship?
While sportsbooks provide exact figures, here’s a realistic outlook:
- If Piastri stays mistake-free: Verstappen’s chances drop below 10%.
- If Piastri slips once or twice: Verstappen’s odds rise to 20–25%, but only if he delivers flawless results.
- If McLaren suffers multiple DNFs or reliability issues: The championship fight could go down to the final race.
Final Thoughts: Can Verstappen Still Be 2025 F1 World Champion?
Yes—Max Verstappen can still win the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. But it requires near-perfection from him and costly mistakes from McLaren’s drivers. With seven rounds left, the title fight is still alive, but Verstappen is no longer in full control of his destiny.
For fans, this means the remainder of the 2025 F1 season promises high drama, intense battles, and a championship fight that could go right down to the wire.