Montoya Dismisses Verstappen's Title Chances, Fuels Norris 'Better Car' Debate

Juan Pablo Montoya has definitively stated that Max Verstappen is out of the F1 2025 title race, also challenging the notion that Lando Norris's recent success is solely due to a 'better car.' Norris's back-to-back wins in Brazil and Mexico have put him 49 points ahead of Verstappen, shifting the championship narrative dramatically.

Why it matters:

After a dominant run earlier in the season, Verstappen's sudden deficit in the drivers' standings, coupled with McLaren's resurgent performance, has reignited the perennial 'driver vs. car' debate in Formula 1. Montoya's strong stance not only adds weight to Norris's championship bid but also highlights the fluctuating competitive landscape as the season nears its climax.

The details:

• Norris's Surge: Lando Norris now holds a 49-point lead over Max Verstappen, following impressive victories in Mexico and a dominant performance in Brazil, securing both the sprint and grand prix wins.
• Verstappen's Drive: Despite Norris's triumphs, Verstappen delivered a remarkable drive in Brazil, climbing from the pit lane to a third-place podium finish.
• Montoya's Argument: Juan Pablo Montoya contends that attributing Norris's lead solely to a 'better car' is unfair, reminding critics that Verstappen also benefited from a superior car during his earlier wins.
• Title Race Odds: Montoya believes Verstappen's 49-point deficit with only three races (83 points) remaining makes it 'not realistic' for him to catch Norris.
• Piastri's Chances: While Norris leads teammate Oscar Piastri by 24 points, Montoya suggests Piastri still has a mathematical chance to win the championship if Norris were to retire from a race.

The big picture:

The 'car vs. driver' debate is a cornerstone of Formula 1 history, illustrating that success hinges on both elements. Legendary drivers like Damon Hill and Jenson Button saw their fortunes shift dramatically with changes in machinery, and even seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton struggled when Mercedes' car performance dipped. To win, a driver undoubtedly needs to be in one of the best cars on the grid, with performance and reliability as crucial as raw talent.

What's next:

With three races left, the F1 2025 season is poised for a thrilling conclusion. While Montoya has ruled out Verstappen, the focus will now be on Lando Norris to maintain his strong form and secure his maiden world championship. Oscar Piastri, though behind, remains a mathematical contender, adding another layer of intrigue as the teams head into the final rounds, potentially culminating in a championship decider before the Abu Dhabi finale.