Max Verstappen looked out of the 2025 F1 title race just weeks ago, trailing Oscar Piastri by a daunting 104 points at the summer break.
But after a flawless United States Grand Prix weekend – claiming pole, sprint win, and a dominant main race victory – the Dutchman has cut the gap to just 40 points, reigniting the championship battle and putting McLaren under real pressure.
The summer break had left Verstappen with what seemed like an almost insurmountable deficit.
Piastri’s consistency and McLaren’s rapid progress had given the Australian a commanding lead.
Yet over just four race weekends, Verstappen has clawed back 64 points, winning three grands prix and dominating one sprint race in the process.
The US GP was the highlight of that resurgence, showcasing Red Bull’s precision and the driver’s flawless execution.
Austin: The Turning Point
At the Circuit of the Americas, Verstappen was untouchable.
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He led every lap in the main Grand Prix, adding crucial points to his tally while Piastri suffered a collision in the sprint and finished only fifth in the main race.
The result slashed the championship gap dramatically, turning what had been a distant chase into a heated duel.
Beyond points, the psychological shift is just as significant.
Verstappen’s confidence is soaring, while Piastri and McLaren face the pressure of defending a shrinking lead.
F1 thrives on rivalries – Senna vs. Prost, Hamilton vs. Rosberg – and the emerging Verstappen-Piastri fight could define this season.
What Comes Next
Red Bull’s dominance isn’t gone, and Verstappen still trails.
But the momentum is now firmly in his favour.
With five races remaining in the season, plus two sprint events, there are a maximum of 141 points still up for grabs (25 points for a race win, 8 for a sprint victory).
To overtake Piastri, Verstappen needs to finish ahead in the Grand Prix consistently, target sprint wins, and ideally score fastest laps wherever possible.
If he maximises his points while Piastri finishes off the podium in just one or two races, the championship could flip before the final round.
The margin is small enough that every point matters, making strategy, reliability, and flawless execution crucial.
Missteps from McLaren or brilliance from Verstappen could decide the championship before it even reaches the final round.
Verstappen has shown he can close massive gaps in record time.
The US GP proved he’s back not just in contention, but as a clear threat.
The question is no longer if he can win races – it’s whether Piastri can hold him off.
