Verstappen Dubbed 'Cannibal' in McLaren Chase for 2025 F1 Title
Max Verstappen has been dubbed a 'cannibal' by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of the 2025 F1 title despite trailing McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri by significant margins. Antonelli highlighted Verstappen's status as "the benchmark for everything," suggesting that even with a challenging points deficit, the four-time world champion can never be truly ruled out of contention for a fifth crown. The 'cannibal' label underscores Verstappen's fierce competitive drive and his ability to rebound in the championship fight.
Max Verstappen has been labeled a 'cannibal' by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a striking reference to the four-time world champion's relentless pursuit of the 2025 F1 crown. Despite trailing McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Verstappen's formidable track record suggests he can never be truly counted out of the championship fight.
Why it matters:
Max Verstappen's dominance has reshaped Formula 1 in recent years, setting a new benchmark for performance. Even when facing significant points deficits, his ability to claw back ground and challenge for wins makes him a constant threat. Antonelli's 'cannibal' label highlights the fierce, unrelenting competitive spirit that defines Verstappen, emphasizing that any lead against him is precarious.
The details:
- Current Standings: Verstappen is currently 49 points behind championship leader Lando Norris and 25 points adrift of Oscar Piastri (P2) with only three Grands Prix remaining.
- Antonelli's Prediction: Asked about the competitive balance in 2026, Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli shifted focus to the 2025 title, stating, "Now it’s simpler: Norris is the favourite, Piastri still has chances, just like the cannibal Verstappen, because you can never write him off."
- Verstappen as Benchmark: Antonelli further complimented Verstappen, adding, "For years, he has been the benchmark for everything."
- Past Comebacks: Verstappen previously cut a 104-point lead after the Dutch Grand Prix, demonstrating his capacity for significant comebacks, though that lead has since grown again following dominant performances by Norris in Mexico and Brazil.
- Realistic Target: Beating Piastri, who is currently one race win ahead, remains Verstappen's most realistic, albeit challenging, objective for the remainder of the season.
Between the lines:
Antonelli's comments, while seemingly complimentary, also serve to subtly elevate the current McLaren drivers. By framing Norris as the 'favorite' and Piastri as having 'chances,' even while acknowledging Verstappen's threat, he sets a narrative where McLaren is at the forefront. This perspective from a rising Mercedes star offers an interesting glimpse into how the next generation views the sport's top contenders and their respective team dynamics.
What's next:
With only three Grands Prix left, Verstappen faces an uphill battle to close the gap on Norris and Piastri. While a fifth title seems a distant prospect, his recent performances and the McLaren drivers' own pressures will make for a captivating end to the season. Meanwhile, Red Bull is already looking ahead to 2026, with technical director Ben Hodgkinson revealing that Verstappen was impressed after hearing the 2026 Red Bull-Ford power unit running, hinting at future ambitions beyond the current championship fight.