As of early November 2025, Max Verstappen sits third in the world drivers’ standings with 321 points, trailing McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who hold 357 and 356 points respectively.

Verstappen has cut his deficit to 36 points behind Norris but needs to outscore his rivals consistently every race to remain in the hunt. His recent form has been strong, with three wins in the last five rounds, yet closing the gap demands near-perfect weekends and a bit of fortune.

He acknowledges the importance of “being ahead constantly” to maintain momentum and is confident that a fast and reliable Red Bull car will provide that edge.​

Upcoming Races Key to Championship Chances

The final stretch includes four critical Grands Prix: São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Verstappen has demonstrated success at many of these venues, including multiple wins in São Paulo and Abu Dhabi, circuits that favor his aggressive driving style and Red Bull’s aerodynamic strengths.

Weather conditions and track variables in São Paulo add unpredictability, while Las Vegas remains a relatively new race with few data points but promising past results for Verstappen. The last two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are pivotal battlegrounds where Red Bull aims to deliver peak performance, as the McLarens have also shown great speed there.

Verstappen needs to maximize points and hope that Norris and Piastri do not sweep wins, making every session critical.​

What Could Derail Verstappen’s Title Pursuit?

Max Verstappen’s biggest threat to capturing the championship is setbacks such as mechanical failures, crashes, or poor finishes, especially as McLaren drivers continue to impress.

Maintaining car reliability and avoiding mistakes is paramount, as non-finishes combined with McLaren wins would widen an already difficult points gap. Verstappen has urged his rivals to be “iron-strong” mentally as the pressure mounts, understanding that every decision on and off track counts.

Still, with his driving caliber and experience, plus Red Bull’s solid race strategies, Verstappen remains a formidable contender poised to fight until the final lap of the season