Key Highlights
- Max Verstappen has closed the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri to just 40 points with five rounds remaining in the 2025 season.
- The Red Bull driver has a strong track record at upcoming circuits, which could see him win every remaining race and Sprint event.
- Based on their average scores since the summer break, Verstappen would secure the championship by 20 points from Piastri if he continues his current performance.
The Battle for the Championship
In the closing stages of the Formula One season, the title race remains fiercely contested. With five rounds left in the 2025 campaign, Max Verstappen has significantly narrowed the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri. Piastri currently leads with a 40-point advantage over his closest rivals.
The Dutch driver, who competes for Red Bull Racing, has demonstrated impressive form recently.
His recent victory in Austin and a strong performance in Monaco have seen him close the gap considerably. Verstappen’s success at upcoming circuits could tip the balance in his favor. According to data analysis, he holds five wins across Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Adding to this is his win from the 2023 Sao Paulo Sprint event.
Potential Pathways to Victory
Assuming Verstappen takes first place in every remaining race and Sprint event, while Piastri finishes second and Lando Norris third, the statistics suggest a narrow margin of victory. Piastri would secure 450 points, with Verstappen trailing by just three points at 447. Norris would be further back with 318 points.
However, this scenario is challenging for both drivers.
Verstappen’s record at the upcoming circuits is strong, but Piastri and Norris have their own notable performances to draw upon. For instance, Piastri has two Sprint victories in Qatar and a best result of eighth place in Mexico City. Norris, on the other hand, won last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and took pole position in the 2024 Sao Paulo Sprint.
Performance Since Summer Break
The data also reveals that since F1 returned from its summer break, Piastri has led the way. He won the Dutch Grand Prix before securing a second-place finish at the Italian race one week later. His average score across these five rounds is 12.4 points.
In contrast, Norris averages 11.4 points, while Verstappen’s performance is significantly higher with an average of 23.8 points.
Based on their current form, if each driver maintains this performance over the next five races, Verstappen would secure a 20-point advantage from Piastri and a 39-point lead over Norris by the end of the season. This outcome would confirm his championship status with a margin that is not insignificant.
The upcoming races in Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi will be crucial. Verstappen’s chances are bolstered by his previous success at these circuits.
However, Piastri and Norris also have reasons to believe they can turn the tide. As the season progresses, all eyes will remain fixed on these races.
The title fight is not just about raw points but also about strategy and performance under pressure. The next few weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Max Verstappen can seal his fifth consecutive championship or if Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris can mount a successful defense of their lead. Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion to this exciting Formula One season.
