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Can Max Verstappen still become F1 champion in 2025?

November 24, 2025

Yes, it can be done!

To get right to the point: yes, Max Verstappen can still become champion in the 2025 season of the Formula One world championship, although the scenario is challenging.

The points after Las Vegas

After the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix (round 22 of the total 24 races), Lando Norris tops the standings with 390 points. Oscar Piastri and Verstappen follow on 366 points. There are two more Grands Prix to go, including a Sprint race. That’s three times to earn points. There is plenty of potential for points to catch up.

Optimistic scenario

The backlog is just a challenge. So in practice, Verstappen has to do two things: score very high consistently himself and hope that his direct competitors (especially Norris and Piastri) make mistakes or underperform. Of course, Verstappen himself could be unlucky. But we are assuming an optimistic scenario.

Qatar and Abu Dhabi

As mentioned, there are two more GPs on the 2025 calendar: Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Round 23 is the Qatar Grand Prix which will take place from Nov. 28 to 30. This GP consists of a sprint race on Nov. 29 and the race itself on Nov. 30. Round 24 concerns this season’s finale: the Adu Dhabi Grand Prix. That will take place from December 5 to 7.

Point system GP race

Point system sprint race

Scenarios in a row

Verstappen could theoretically earn 58 points, provided he wins everything. But will Verstappen win even if Norris continuously comes in second? A quick calculation:

Standings after Las Vegas

Scenario: Verstappen wins everything and Norris is continuously second

Outcome: so in this scenario, Verstappen still comes in second. So Norris should perform worse with his car in practice.

Scenario: Verstappen wins everything and Norris is continuously third

Outcome: also in this scenario, Verstappen will be second. Did we mention it would be challenging?

Scenario: Verstappen wins everything and Norris is continuously fourth

Outcome: bingo, in this scenario Verstappen becomes Formula One champion. So Norris must finish fourth at the latest over the next three races if Verstappen is to have any chance of winning the title. Not to mention: Verstappen himself must also perform to the maximum. The near future will tell who will become Formula One champion.