Max Verstappen has described his ongoing challenge for the Formula One world championship as “remarkable” and “very impressive,” intensifying the psychological battle with Lando Norris and McLaren as the season approaches its decisive conclusion.
The four-time world champion was trailing the title by 104 points following his home Grand Prix in the Netherlands just five races ago. Yet, heading into the final four races—starting with the São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil—Verstappen has narrowed the gap to 36 points behind Norris. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri is also close in contention, trailing Norris by just one point, highlighting McLaren’s strong performance this season.
Verstappen, who earned a memorable wet-weather victory at São Paulo last year to halt Norris’s title hopes, remains unfazed, stating: “For me, there is no pressure. Even if I don’t win it, I still know that I drove a really good season, and replicating this performance would be tough for most people on the grid.”
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He acknowledges the remarkable turnaround his team has achieved: “To still be in this fight, especially after being over 100 points behind, is very impressive. It shows the strength and resilience of the team.”
Meanwhile, Norris, who secured a commanding victory in Mexico City to reclaim the championship lead for the first time since Piastri topped the standings in April, reflects on the challenge ahead. “It’s a cool thought to be fighting for the world championship. The dream is still alive, but nothing’s decided yet. There are still over 100 points available, so I need to win every race from here on out,” he said.
Norris remains focused despite the pressure: “Last weekend showed me I can dominate; it was a small victory in the larger picture. You celebrate briefly and then keep pushing forward.”
As the battle heats up, Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri continue to vie for the ultimate prize, setting the stage for an electrifying finish to this year’s Formula One championship.