Wolff Declares Verstappen's Title Hopes 'Sailed,' McLaren Showdown Looms

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has declared Max Verstappen's 2025 Formula 1 championship hopes over, stating 'that ship has sailed.' With only three races left in the season, Wolff believes the title fight is now exclusively a McLaren affair, despite Verstappen's recent strong form.

Why it matters:

Wolff's definitive statement underscores the growing lead of Lando Norris and the mounting pressure on McLaren as the championship reaches its climax. While Verstappen's post-summer surge had briefly rekindled hopes of a five-in-a-row title, the widening points gap makes a comeback highly improbable, shifting the narrative entirely to an intra-team battle at McLaren.

The details:

• Despite a heroic podium finish from the pit lane in São Paulo, Verstappen's deficit to Norris has increased to 49 points with just three races remaining.
• Wolff explicitly stated, "That ship has sailed," regarding Verstappen's title chances, emphasizing that the points gap is now "very, very solid."
• He acknowledged the spectator desire for a closer fight but praised Norris's composure and consistent scoring in recent races.
• Wolff also noted that Norris cannot afford a DNF, as that would quickly swing the momentum.

Between the lines:

Having managed the intense Hamilton-Rosberg rivalry at Mercedes from 2014-2016, Wolff's insights into intra-team title fights are particularly relevant. He believes McLaren team principal Andrea Stella is effectively managing the delicate balance between Norris and Piastri, who are separated by just 24 points.

• Wolff stressed the importance of a team principal maintaining control and preventing external distractions.
• He commended McLaren's approach of "letting them race" and expressed confidence that the drivers would not take each other out.

What's next:

The F1 world now anticipates a thrilling finale with Norris and Piastri battling it out in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. While Verstappen technically remains in contention, Wolff's assessment firmly positions the championship as a two-horse race within the McLaren garage, promising a high-stakes conclusion to the season.