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Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff has declared that the ‘ship has sailed’ for reigning champion Max Verstappen to be in with a chance of retaining the…
Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff believes that Max Verstappen’s chances of retaining the drivers’ title in 2025 have diminished significantly, saying “that ship has sailed.”
Verstappen’s recent strong performance in Sao Paulo, where he finished P3 from the pit lane, was commendable, but his struggles earlier in the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend and a 49-point gap to championship leader Lando Norris have dealt a blow to his title hopes.
Wolff acknowledged the challenge ahead for Verstappen to catch up to Norris, with Mercedes now focusing on playing a supportive role in the championship battle by taking points off their rivals.
As the 2025 F1 championship battle unfolds, Wolff emphasized the importance of allowing Norris and Verstappen to race each other competitively and error-free, highlighting Norris’ impressive recent form and the need for consistency in the final rounds.
Despite Mercedes driver George Russell being out of title contention, the team remains a key player in shaping the outcome of the championship, with the spotlight on how McLaren manages their competitive driver duo.
