Jos Verstappen Highlights Max's Mental Edge for Abu Dhabi Showdown

The 2025 F1 World Championship is coming down to the wire, and Max Verstappen's father, Jos, has weighed in on a crucial factor ahead of the Abu Dhabi finale. Lando Norris heads into the desert with a twelve-point lead over Max Verstappen (Norris 408 points, Verstappen 396, Piastri 392). For the first time since 2010, at least three drivers still have a shot at the title, thanks in part to the reigning champion's incredibly strong season.

Why it matters:

After a remarkable comeback that saw him close a 104-point gap, Max Verstappen's mental fortitude and championship experience could be the deciding factor in a fiercely contested three-way title fight. His rivals, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, are in their first championship battle, making the psychological game as critical as on-track performance.

The details:

• Championship Stakes: Lando Norris leads with 408 points, followed by Max Verstappen (396) and Oscar Piastri (392). This marks the first time since 2010 that three drivers are in contention for the title at the season finale.
• Verstappen's Comeback: Max Verstappen has mounted an impressive comeback, winning five of the last eight races after trailing Piastri by 104 points after Zandvoort.
• Jos Verstappen's Insight: Jos Verstappen notes, "Without Max, the World Championship would be a bit more boring. Now it has something special because Max is there." He also points out, "You see that the other teams are not calculating [Red Bull], but Max."
• Rival Nerves: Jos believes Norris and Piastri might be feeling the pressure. "I can imagine there's some nervousness at McLaren. For both, this could be their only chance at a World Championship title. You never know if you'll get into this position again." This experience gap is a significant advantage for the four-time champion.
• Max's Calm Approach: Max Verstappen himself remains unfazed, with his father quoting him: "Either you become World Champion or you don't. If it doesn't work out, we'll try again next year."

The big picture:

Verstappen's ability to maintain a stoic mindset contrasts sharply with the potential anxiety of his rivals, who are chasing their maiden F1 title. In a finale where margins are razor-thin, mental resilience often trumps raw pace. This psychological edge, combined with his recent string of victories, positions Verstappen as a formidable contender despite the points deficit.

What's next:

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will test not only the speed of the cars but also the mental strength of the drivers. While Norris and Piastri face the immense pressure of a potential first championship, Verstappen's calm, experienced approach could be the key to turning his points deficit into a fifth world title.