Max Verstappen is still in the title race: However, Ralf Schumacher believes that Brazil will decide whether the Red Bull driver still has a chance of winning the World Championship.
There are still four races to go in the 2025 Formula 1 season, but the Brazilian Grand Prix (full schedule) could see the first preliminary decision made—namely, regarding Max Verstappen’s title chances. “Next weekend will be crucial,” believes Ralf Schumacher. “He needs to close the gap now and may also need a little help,” muses the former Formula 1 driver in an interview with Sky. Verstappen is currently 36 points behind championship leader Lando Norris, who regained the lead in the standings for the first time in months with his victory in Mexico.
Few observers had expected this turnaround at the midpoint of the season. After the Briton retired in Zandvoort and his deficit to teammate Oscar Piastri had already grown to 34 points, his title chances seemed to be fading.
“We thought: mental issues, he wasn’t always consistent, plus the retirement – Piastri seemed to be pulling away,” Schumacher admits. But the Formula 1 season is long, and the expert knows: “With so many races, a lot can still happen.”
Schumacher: Verstappen can win in Brazil
Verstappen is therefore by no means out of the running. “The Red Bull wasn’t quite at its old strength in Mexico, but in the second stint with the softer tires, Verstappen was damn strong.” His prediction is correspondingly confident: “In my opinion, he can win in Brazil.”
A win in Sao Paulo would keep Verstappen’s title hopes alive. However, if he finishes behind the two McLaren drivers again, his World Championship dream could come to an abrupt end this weekend.
The upcoming tracks do not promise to be any easier. “The Red Bull usually struggles a bit on street circuits where it is bumpy or gets cool in the evening,” explains Schumacher. ” In Las Vegas, it gets cool in the evening, which means that Red Bull doesn’t have quite as much grip, mechanical grip.“ This coming weekend in Brazil offers a decisive opportunity for the Dutchman: with a victory in the sprint and a win in the main race, he could score a total of 33 points, just as he did in Austin. For Schumacher, one thing is certain: ”After Brazil, we’ll see whether he still has a chance.”
World Championship decision to be made after Brazil
“However, it worked really well in Singapore—it was warm there, but not so much in Mexico. Accordingly, Las Vegas will be a difficult challenge.” Last year, Verstappen only finished fifth there, but still ahead of the two McLaren drivers, who finished sixth and seventh.
“On the remaining tracks, I see Red Bull as at least on par, if not stronger,” Schumacher said, looking ahead to the final phase of the season. “The decisive factor will be whether Verstappen maintains his flawless style—or whether he makes a mistake, which has almost never happened so far.”
