McLaren Drivers Norris and Piastri Believe Max Verstappen Remains in 2025 F1 Title Race

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have refuted claims that the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, is no longer a challenger for the 2025 Formula 1 drivers` championship.

Currently, Piastri holds a three-point lead over Norris at the top of the standings. Red Bull`s Verstappen sits in third place, 25 points adrift of the Australian after approximately one-third of the season has concluded.

McLaren`s car has appeared to be the quickest during the initial phase of the campaign. However, a technical directive set to be enforced starting from this weekend`s Spanish Grand Prix, which will restrict the flexibility of front wings, has sparked speculation that the Woking-based team`s performance advantage might be reduced or eliminated.

Speaking on Thursday ahead of the race in Barcelona, Norris commented, “Mathematically, every driver on the grid could still win the championship right now.”

“If you think the title fight is limited to just Oscar and me, I believe that`s quite foolish. There are numerous opportunities. Max can still win. I also expect Ferrari to improve throughout the season.”

“Honestly, we are competing against Max every weekend. He has achieved multiple podium finishes, won races, and defeated us fairly in Imola because he was faster.”

“I`m genuinely unsure what could possibly lead you to believe it`s only between me and Oscar.”

Following his victory in Monaco last weekend – his first since the opening round of the season – Norris closed the gap to Piastri. He stated that winning again, which would give him the championship lead, would not alter his approach.

“While it`s a fantastic feeling to be leading the championship and have more points than anyone else,” Norris added, “it`s not something I focus on, nor does it change anything I do daily, how hard I work, or what I aim to achieve.”

“I`m simply trying to win this weekend, and I will try to win in Montreal and Austria. It has nothing to do with my current position in the standings.”

Piastri: Max Can`t Be Counted Out

Piastri, who is also seeking his first F1 title, secured three consecutive victories early in the season to establish a 16-point advantage but has not won in the subsequent two races.

The Australian driver, who has already been involved in several exciting battles with Verstappen on track, remains cautious about the threat the Dutchman continues to pose.

Piastri remarked, “I don`t believe he can be ruled out. The points difference isn`t very large at the moment, and they`ve shown genuine competitiveness at a decent number of circuits now.”

“Certainly, there have been weekends where we`ve been stronger, but I think they`ve been developing their car and finding more performance.”

“So, I think at this point, Max is definitely still a contender for the title.”

Piastri anticipates Red Bull could be particularly strong in Barcelona, as the track characteristics are similar to circuits like Suzuka and Imola, where Verstappen has secured his two victories this season.

He further added, “I expect them to be quick. It`s a layout that shares some characteristics with tracks where they have been very fast this year. Higher-speed circuits are generally where Max and Red Bull have been very strong, and this is another one of those circuits.”

“Therefore, I expect them to certainly be in the mix for the win this weekend, and we will see if any other competitors can challenge Red Bull.”

Verstappen: It Doesn`t Feel Like a Fight

Verstappen, who is pursuing his fifth consecutive drivers` championship, maintained that he doesn`t feel like he is `in a fight` with the McLarens due to what he perceives as his rivals` superior pace.

He stated, “For me, it doesn`t feel like a battle. I just try my best and have a bit of fun out there. It`s not like this season, up to this point, will be etched in my memory forever.”

Verstappen reiterated his view that dominating F1 in previous years was significantly more enjoyable than battling closely for victories, but stressed that his competitive spirit never diminishes.

He added, “I`m more enthusiastic when I know we have the potential to be extremely fast! I always strive to do my best, but this year, so far, has had some genuine positives but also some negatives, with races where we were significantly off the pace, which is not enjoyable.”

“That competitive drive is always present. But that doesn`t mean I`m enjoying or loving *this situation*. Up to this point, this season won`t be a memorable one for me.”

Verstappen stated that his personal belief in winning the title is irrelevant because it doesn`t influence his performance.

“It`s not a matter of belief,” he explained. “I simply come to the track and perform my best every single weekend. I don`t need to have complete faith in it or not.”

“I know that every time I go out there, I give my maximum effort. If the car is capable of finishing P5, I will put it in P5. If it`s capable of winning, I will win.”

“I approach it in a very straightforward manner, which also doesn`t expend a lot of energy.”

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