Wolff Declares Verstappen's Title Hopes Over, Focuses on McLaren Duo

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has stated that Max Verstappen's championship bid is effectively over, asserting that the 2025 Drivers' title fight is now a two-horse race between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. With just three rounds remaining, Norris holds a 24-point lead over Piastri and is 49 points clear of Verstappen.

Why it matters:

This declaration from a seasoned team principal like Wolff highlights a significant shift in the F1 championship narrative. After years of dominance from Verstappen, a potential McLaren internecine battle for the title would electrify the sport and signal a dramatic change in the competitive pecking order, validating McLaren's impressive mid-season surge.

The Details:

• Norris currently leads Piastri by 24 points and Verstappen by 49 points heading into the final three races of the 2025 season.
• Wolff, speaking after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, offered his perspective on handling an inter-team championship fight, drawing on his own experience with Mercedes.
• He expressed confidence in McLaren's approach, stating, "I think how they handle it is very well. It's very good, letting them race. I don't see a situation where they take each other out."
• When asked about Verstappen's chances, Wolff dismissed them: "How many points is Max behind? [49 off Lando, and 25 off Piastri] Okay, that ship has sailed."
• Wolff emphasized the importance of McLaren avoiding DNFs, which could quickly swing the championship momentum.
• Regarding the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, a street circuit where McLaren has historically struggled, Wolff's comments suggest he doesn't anticipate it will dramatically alter the championship picture for the top two, despite past performances.
• Last year at Las Vegas, Verstappen finished fifth, 16 seconds behind winner George Russell, while Norris and Piastri were sixth and seventh, significantly further back (43 seconds behind Russell).

What's next:

While the focus shifts to the McLaren drivers, the final three races, starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, will test the mettle of both Norris and Piastri. Wolff believes that Norris's recent composure and consistent scoring make his lead "very, very solid." However, an internal championship battle inevitably ratchets up team tension, requiring strong leadership to manage, a sentiment Wolff echoed. If McLaren can maintain their performance and reliability, F1 fans are set for a thrilling conclusion to the season with a new champion crowned.