Verstappen estimates his title chances at 50 percent.

Verstappen estimates his title chances at 50 percent.

      "I'm approaching it race by race."

      Max Verstappen's consecutive victories in Monza and Baku have unexpectedly reinvigorated his chances in the 2025 world championship battle, shifting the pressure onto McLaren. Oscar Piastri faced a challenging weekend in Azerbaijan, potentially opening the way for the Red Bull driver. "I hope so!" the Australian grinned in Singapore when asked if the 'old Oscar' had returned in the orange race suit. "I certainly don't want to repeat what happened in Baku, but mistakes will happen. I'm human, after all. It's inevitable."

      However, if mistakes persist, concerns are being raised regarding McLaren’s commitment to treating both drivers equally. "Piastri is currently 25 points ahead of Norris and 69 ahead of Verstappen," Ralf Schumacher remarked on Sky Deutschland. "If Max wins the next race in Singapore, I can see McLaren growing anxious and having to make a decision."

      That decision could put Lando Norris in a number two position, which he dismissed with laughter on Thursday. "I’m very concerned," he said sarcastically. "Very worried about it, and frankly, scared."

      In the paddock, many believe Verstappen now has at least a slim chance. Isack Hadjar estimated it at "10 percent ... he’s probably 60 points behind Oscar?" When corrected to 69, the Frenchman chuckled: "Oh yeah, 69." Alex Albon suggested a 15 percent chance, Charles Leclerc offered 20 percent, while Norris conceded it was "more than zero." Esteban Ocon cautioned: "We all know Max and how dangerous he can be when there’s something to seize."

      Even George Russell, who often clashed with Verstappen, joked: "100 percent." Verstappen himself was in a lighthearted mood, stating, "I’m giving myself 50 percent. It either works or it doesn’t," he laughed. "I’m taking it race by race. We have nothing to lose and are trying to maximize our opportunities. McLaren has dominated this championship thus far. Such dynamics don’t change overnight."

      Meanwhile, rival drivers expressed envy over Verstappen's ability to compete outside of Formula 1. Following his GT3 debut win at the Nurburgring, the Dutchman mentioned he is ready for a break. "I’m taking a weekend off," Verstappen smiled. "I’m going to take a little breather. After this weekend, I’ll have raced six weekends in a row, so that’s quite a bit."

Verstappen estimates his title chances at 50 percent.

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Verstappen estimates his title chances at 50 percent.

Formula 1 | Max Verstappen's consecutive victories in Monza and Baku have unexpectedly brought him back into contention for the 2025 world championship, with the pressure now (…)