P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Verstappen given boost after fending off F1 title rival to protect crown
Four-time champion Max Verstappen has successfully defended his crown as the very best in motorsport despite the F1 championship only reaching the halfway point, winning the driver’s championship for four consecutive years. However, in 2025, McLaren star Oscar Piastri leads the championship after 12 rounds, posing a challenge to Verstappen.
During F1’s mini-break, the battle between Red Bull and McLaren stars Verstappen and Piastri escalated off-track, with both nominated for ‘best driver’ at the ESPYS. Verstappen won the award for the third consecutive year at the 33rd edition of the ESPYS, hosted by comedian Shane Gillis in Los Angeles, providing a boost for his pursuit of a fifth consecutive title in F1.
Despite his struggles with the RB21, Verstappen’s ESPY win raises questions about his chance to catch Piastri in the 2025 title race, as he currently sits third in the standings behind both McLaren drivers. Piastri leads with 234 points, while Lando Norris boasts a 61-point lead over Verstappen after 12 rounds, making the championship an uphill battle for the Red Bull star.
While McLaren appears close to securing the constructors’ title, Verstappen’s championship charge remains mathematically possible but would require a near miracle for him to win. Looking ahead to 2026, Verstappen faces an uncertain future with potential regulations changes and a tough season forecasted, indicating he may be on the back foot once again.
In other F1 news, Red Bull’s intensive driver talks and Daniel Ricciardo U-turn have made headlines, adding to the anticipation of future developments in the motorsport world.
