Verstappen Crowned 'Best Driver' Ahead of F1 Title Showdown
Gabriel Bortoleto believes Max Verstappen has proven himself the 'best driver' of the 2025 F1 season, despite the championship going down to the wire. Verstappen, who has won five of the last eight races, is in contention for the title against Lando Norris in Abu Dhabi, needing a podium finish and specific results from his rival to claim the crown after a season where he often overcame car limitations.
Despite a challenging season with an inconsistent car, Max Verstappen has been hailed as the "best driver" of the 2025 F1 season by Gabriel Bortoleto, regardless of the upcoming title decider. Verstappen, one of three contenders in Abu Dhabi, needs a podium finish and specific outcomes from Lando Norris to secure the championship.
Why it matters:
- Verstappen's late-season surge, including five wins in the last eight races since the Italian GP, has dramatically reshaped the championship narrative.
- This recognition highlights the exceptional skill and consistency required to contend for the title, even when the car is not dominant.
- The championship fight going down to the wire underscores the intensity and competitiveness of modern Formula 1.
The Details:
- Title Contenders: Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and a third, unnamed driver are battling for the F1 Drivers' Championship in Abu Dhabi.
- Points Gap: Lando Norris currently holds a 12-point lead over Verstappen.
- Verstappen's Title Scenarios (must finish on podium for a chance):
- If Verstappen wins, Norris must finish fourth or lower.
- If Verstappen is second, Norris must finish eighth or lower.
- If Verstappen is third, Norris must finish ninth or lower.
- Car Performance: McLaren is widely considered to have the fastest car on the grid, yet Verstappen has managed to close the gap through stellar individual performances.
- Bortoleto's View: Stake driver Gabriel Bortoleto praised Verstappen for making "fewer mistakes" and proving himself to be the "best driver in the world this year," thus deserving the title.
- Qatar GP Impact: Bortoleto noted the unpredictability of recent races, specifically citing the Qatar Grand Prix as an unexpected outcome.
What's next:
The F1 season culminates in Abu Dhabi, where the championship will be decided. The race promises high drama as Verstappen aims to overturn the points deficit against Norris. The performance of both drivers, coupled with strategic decisions and potential external factors, will dictate who ultimately takes home the crown. Blue flags and backmarkers could also play an unexpected role in the final outcome, though Bortoleto emphasized that other drivers will aim to complete their own races without interfering with the title fight.