Can Max Verstappen Still Clinch the F1 Title: Here’s What Andrea Stella Thinks

The 2025 Formula 1 season can be summed up as being one of the most competitive in recent years. The dominance of Max Verstappen is at stake for the first time in years, and the competition is narrowing the gap. As few races remain, the big question then is whether Verstappen can still be in a position to win the championship.

The head of the McLaren, Team Principal Andrea Stella, has provided his own take, giving a very blunt opinion on his chances of winning, and what it will take to ensure the Dutchman leaves himself the winner.

What Threatens the Defense Of the Title By Verstappen?

Over the last three seasons, Verstappen has been virtually invincible, with daggers in his path as he mows through the competition at an unbelievable pace and accuracy. But 2025 has rewritten the script.

• Better competitors: McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes are all up to date.
• Red Bull slip-ups: Strategic errors and mechanical problems have cost Verstappen important points.
• Reduced margins: Competitors such as Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc have never relented in the margin pressure.

What Did Andrea Stella Say?

Stella was quick to commend his brilliance, but gave a warning that consistency would determine the championship. Stella said: Max, still much in the battle. However, the margins are lower this year. It takes one failure or one DNF to shift the whole picture.” He indicated that although he still sets the standards in the art of racing, the times of leading by a big margin are long ago.

What Works To the Advantage Of Verstappen?

Even in the light of the setbacks, Verstappen can count on several strengths:

• Under pressure racecraft- Few drivers are so shrewd in a wheel-to-wheel fight.
• Experience in the championship -Verstappen has been through several title campaigns and has seen what it feels like to compete in a tense final.
• Track benefit – Red Bull is also shining in some faster circuits where Verstappen can gain maximum points.

Provided that he makes use of these advantages, Stella is convinced that Verstappen might still skew the playing field in his direction.

What Could Stop Him?

Stella cited the biggest threats as reliability and the unstoppable nature of competitors. The upgrades on Norris have seen him be a threat to a podium weekly, whereas the revitalized Ferrari has Leclerc squarely in the competition. Stella said, “F1 in 2025 is more competitive than it has been in a decade. It implies that the title will not be determined by supremacy, but by accuracy.”

Final Word

So, is it possible that Verstappen will be able to win the Formula 1 crown in 2025? Yes, but he and Red Bull must do it perfectly. The gap has been narrowed to zero with McLaren and Ferrari moving faster than ever before.

It is one thing that the last phase of the season gives a viewer the type of cliff-hanging entertainment that has been in short supply. And the reaction of Verstappen will not only determine the championship of the year, but may make his legacy.