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Max Verstappen’s F1 title defence is the subject of the latest RacingNews365 poll!
Following Max Verstappen’s ninth-place finish in the Hungarian Grand Prix, Helmut Marko from Red Bull stated that a fourth consecutive title defense for Verstappen was “impossible.”
Verstappen’s P9 finish in Hungary earned him two points, bringing his total points for the season to 187. However, Oscar Piastri’s second-place finish added another 16 points over the reigning champion.
Heading into F1’s summer break, Verstappen is 97 points behind Piastri and 88 points behind second-placed Lando Norris.
With 274 points remaining in the season, Verstappen has 177 points before he is mathematically out of title contention.
Considering the significant changes coming to F1 in 2026, Red Bull is unlikely to introduce major upgrades to the RB22 to avoid impacting the car’s performance for the ’26 season.
Verstappen has won only two races this season and achieved just one podium finish in the last seven races, which signals the potential end of his four-year reign. Do you share Marko’s view that Verstappen’s situation is “impossible”? Share your thoughts in the comments and vote in the poll provided!
