The F1 Driver’s championship for Max Verstappen could be made or broken this weekend at Interlagos. You may remember that the Dutchman broke Lando Norris’ title hopes last year in Brazil, with a stunning drive in the wet from 17th on the grid to first (watch below).
Now, Verstappen sits 36 points behind McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri heading into the Sao Paulo Sprint weekend. And with just three races remaining after Brazil, and rain once again on the forecast, Verstappen fans believe conditions are tilting in his favour.
MAKE OR BREAK FOR VERSTAPPEN
“Hopefully it rains. Although the forecast says it might stay dry now on Sunday. We’re speculating, but for me it’s likely to rain. Then it will be really exciting,” says Nelson Piquet Jr, brother of Verstappen’s partner Kelly Piquet.
Even Sergio Perez, whose F1 career was interrupted after a difficult season as teammate to Verstappen in 2024, praised the Dutchman’s fightback. “Max is the sensation of the year for me. He has captivated everyone with the way he’s challenging the McLarens. He’s the reason people watch F1,” says the Mexican.
RED BULL NOT THE FASTEST
“He and Red Bull have somehow managed to turn this season around. I think Verstappen would be the driver who deserves the title most out of these three. Because he’s driving is absolutely phenomenally and his car isn’t the fastest,” Perez says.
F1 legend Gerhard Berger also expects Verstappen to stay in the fight right to the end of the 2025 season. “He’s maintained the level of recent years. Very fast and with few mistakes. I mentioned Senna as unbeatable. But in terms of pure driving, Verstappen fits the bill, too. He can do it, and I hope to see clean battles from here to the end,” says Berger.
WE BELIEVE IN VERSTAPPEN
Even Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko believes the driver’s title is possible. “We believe in it. And understand there’s a small chance. We managed to win the championship in the last race in 2010. And again in 2012. Don’t forget, in 2021 Verstappen became world champion on the last lap. We know it’s about having nerves of steel and not making mistakes. As always, small details will decide the outcome.” – with GMM
Qualifying for the F1 Sprint takes place tomorrow (Friday 7 November 2025) at 20:30, with the one and only practice session taking place at 16:30.
But what do you think? Can Max Verstappen keep his momentum against the McLarens? Or are the papaya cars simply too quick? Let us know in the comments section below …
