P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Charles Leclerc weighs in on 2025 F1 title race with “surprised” Max Verstappen verdict
Charles Leclerc expressed doubts about Max Verstappen’s chances of winning the 2025 F1 drivers’ championship ahead of the McLaren duo. Verstappen’s recent victories in Monza and Baku have reignited the title battle, with the Red Bull driver now trailing Oscar Piastri. The competitive resurgence of Red Bull, attributed to a significant floor upgrade, has raised questions about their ability to challenge McLaren across various circuits. McLaren’s strengths lie in high-downforce tracks, whereas Red Bull’s recent successes have come in low-downforce setups. The upcoming Singapore Grand Prix is seen as a crucial test for Verstappen’s title hopes, with Leclerc acknowledging the impressive form of both Piastri and Lando Norris. The close competition between Red Bull and McLaren is expected to intensify in the remaining races of the season.
