In one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent Formula 1 history, Max Verstappen has transformed a seemingly insurmountable 104-point championship deficit into a genuine title challenge over just seven dramatic races. The Red Bull driver, who had previously written off his chances, now stands level with McLaren's Oscar Piastri with only two rounds remaining in the 2025 season.
The Dramatic Collapse of McLaren's Dominance
When Formula 1 resumed after the summer break, McLaren appeared unstoppable. The papaya-clad team secured a one-two finish at Verstappen's home race in Zandvoort, with Oscar Piastri establishing a 34-point lead over teammate Lando Norris and a massive 104-point advantage over Verstappen. Many considered the championship battle effectively over at that stage.
Yet just three months later, the landscape has completely shifted. Verstappen now shares second place in the standings with Piastri, while Norris maintains a 24-point lead with 58 points still available across the final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Race-by-Race: How Verstappen Mounted His Charge
Italian Grand Prix: The First Signs of Hope
Monza provided the initial indication of Red Bull's improving pace as Verstappen dominated from pole position. The race proved particularly costly for Piastri, who was controversially ordered to surrender second place to Norris after a botched pit-stop. Despite the victory, Verstappen still trailed Piastri by 94 points.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Piastri's Nightmare Weekend
Baku marked the beginning of the Australian's dramatic collapse. Piastri endured a disastrous weekend featuring a qualifying crash, a false start, and a first-lap retirement. Verstappen secured another comfortable victory, reducing the gap to 69 points while Norris failed to capitalise fully on his teammate's misfortune.
Singapore and US Grands Prix: McLaren Tensions Boil Over
Singapore witnessed the first public signs of frustration from the typically unflappable Piastri. The McLaren drivers clashed at the start, with Norris aggressively moving past his teammate. Piastri's radio protest - "Are we cool with Lando just barging me out the way? That is not fair" - went unheeded by the team.
The tension escalated in Austin, where the McLarens collided again during the sprint race, forcing both to retire. Verstappen capitalized with a maximum points haul across the weekend, including victory in both the sprint and main race. Piastri's championship lead over Norris had shrunk to just 14 points, while Verstappen closed to within 40 points of the Australian.
Mexico and Brazil: Norris Surges as Piastri Implodes
Mexico City saw Norris deliver a commanding performance from pole position, while Verstappen secured another podium. Most significantly, Piastri lost his championship lead entirely, dropping to second behind Norris by a single point.
The Brazilian Grand Prix proved catastrophic for the Australian. A crash in the wet sprint race preceded a 10-second penalty in the main event, compounding a nightmare weekend. Norris executed perfectly to extend his championship advantage to 24 points, while Verstappen remarkably finished on the podium despite starting from the pit lane.
Las Vegas Disqualification: The Championship Reshaped
What appeared to be another strong weekend for McLaren turned into disaster hours after the chequered flag fell in Las Vegas. Both Norris and Piastri were disqualified from the race results, handing Verstappen an unexpected reprieve and completely reshaping the championship battle.
The Dutchman, who had seemed destined for third in the standings, suddenly found himself level with Piastri on points and just 24 behind Norris heading into the final two rounds.
Qatar Showdown: The Title Decider Approaches
This weekend's Qatar Grand Prix presents the final sprint weekend of the season, offering significant points opportunities. The high-speed corners and demanding tyre wear at Lusail International Circuit should favour Red Bull's package and Verstappen's driving style.
Norris can secure his maiden championship if he scores two more points than both Verstappen and Piastri across the sprint and main race. Alternatively, a single additional point combined with a race victory would also seal the deal.
Should Norris fail to achieve either scenario, the championship will proceed to a nail-biting finale in Abu Dhabi - the first title decider since that controversial 2021 showdown between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
