P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen believes a fifth F1 title would have fallen in his favor “a long time ago” if he had a “dominant” car like McLaren.
Max Verstappen believes he would have secured a fifth consecutive Formula 1 title by now if he had a dominant car like McLaren in 2025. Despite currently trailing Lando Norris by 24 points in the championship, Verstappen’s title hopes could be jeopardized if Norris outscores him by two points in Qatar. Throughout the season, Verstappen has showcased an impressive comeback, overcoming the challenges posed by the RB21’s performance limitations. Reflecting on his championship pursuit, he acknowledges that external factors have played a significant role in keeping him in contention. Verstappen recognizes McLaren’s superior car performance and how it has influenced the title race, highlighting his regret over specific on-track incidents that impacted his standings. Despite the challenges faced during the 2025 season, Verstappen remains focused on maximizing his results and acknowledges the significance of circumstances beyond his control in the championship battle.
