McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella believes Max Verstappen remains firmly in contention for the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, despite the Dutchman sitting behind both McLaren drivers in the standings.
Verstappen’s season has been a mix of highs and lows, finishing outside the top five in four races. But also claiming four wins in Suzuka, Imola, Monza, and Baku, alongside several podiums. Despite McLaren’s strong form, Verstappen’s consistency, and Red Bull’s recent development progress suggest that the fight is far from over.
Red Bull’s step forward
Stella explained that Verstappen’s victory in monza revealed much more than a one-off performance: “Well, the takeway from the Monza race, and the way we have reviewed this internally and set our mindset for the final one-third of the race, was that Red Bull’s performance in Monza should not be considered a one-off because of Monza, or one-off because of low downforce, but they have taken a new floor in Monza. They might be setting up their cup slightly differently.”
Additionally, he highlighted a shift in Verstappen’s feedback, pointing to potential gains in the RB21 package. “We have now Verstappen talking about grounding much more than he was doing before. So they might have unlocked performance, and I would not be surprised at all that Red Bull may continue the streak that they have started, because pole position in Monza, victory, pole position here [in Baku], Red Bull are very serious contenders to win races and a very serious contender for the Driver’s Championship.”
Verstappen is still in the fight
Currently, Oscar Piastri leads the standings with 324 points, followed by teammate Lando Norris on 299. Verstappen sits in third place with 255 points. With seven races to go, Verstappen follows Piastri by 69 points, a margin that is large but not unbreakable, given 25 points are available per win.
When asked if Verstappen is still a factor in the Drivers’ Championship, Stella answered: “Affirm, yes. Can you write it capital?”
Even from behind, the McLaren team principal insisted that Verstappen’s credentials cannot be overlooked: “Of course. Of course. We don’t have to forget that, first of all, he’s Max Verstappen. World Champion for the last four years, in a fast car.”
McLaren’s internal dynamics
Stella also acknowledged that McLaren’s two-driver fight could play a role in keeping Verstappen’s hopes alive. So far this season, Piastri has scored seven wins compared to Norris’s five victories, showing that while Piastri has the edge, both drivers remain competitive. However, because they often finish on the podium together, points are split, which could allow Verstappen to close the gap.
“Like I said before, there are races where McLaren may not enjoy any advantage from a competitiveness point of view, and also Lando and Oscar, they are always there, so they not necessarily will be maximising the points available. Sometimes it will be a little bit more points for Lando, a little bit more points for Oscar, so they may take some points away from each other.”
Stella confirmed that McLaren will continue to allow both drivers to fight, even if it complicates their title chances. “We are very aware of this aspect, but we let them race because both deserve to pursue their aspirations. Therefore, yes, Verstappen and Red Bull in contention for the Drivers’ Championship.”
