Chasing the impossible
First at Monza, and now first again in Baku. Max Verstappen has rediscovered the winning rhythm that made him a dominant force in Formula 1, securing two consecutive Grand Prix victories for the first time in over a year. The last time the Dutchman achieved a double success was back in June 2024. With this latest result, he has cut the deficit to the top of the standings down to 69 points. Across the last two races alone, Verstappen has clawed back 35 points on Oscar Piastri and 26 on Lando Norris. Although the gap to the two McLaren drivers remains significant, if this trend continues into the Singapore Grand Prix, a scenario that seemed almost unthinkable just weeks ago could start to take shape.
The strong momentum has inevitably fueled speculation about a dramatic late-season comeback. Yuki Tsunoda, Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull, hinted after the race that the team is indeed entertaining the idea of a possible title charge. Verstappen, however, has remained cautious. The reigning world champion has often expressed irritation at questions about the championship, preferring to keep the focus on the immediate task rather than long-term speculation. Yet even while downplaying expectations, his post-race comments in Baku offered some revealing insights into his mindset.
Verstappen’s cautious approach
Asked directly about his title hopes, Verstappen made his position clear. He explained that he does not rely on wishful thinking, even if the idea of fighting back into contention clearly fuels his competitive hunger. With seven races still remaining in the season, the 69-point deficit remains substantial. For Verstappen, the focus is on approaching each weekend as an individual challenge rather than obsessing over the bigger picture.
“Hope for the title? I don’t rely on hope,” Verstappen stated firmly in the press conference, underlining both his realism and his relentless drive to win. “There are still seven races left and 69 points is a big gap. Personally, I don’t think about it. I take it one race at a time, as I’ve done all season. After Abu Dhabi we’ll know.”
From Monza to Baku, momentum shifts
While Verstappen downplays the possibility of a full title turnaround, his performances in Monza and Baku have shown that the RB21 has regained competitiveness on high-speed circuits. With Red Bull collecting maximum points in consecutive rounds, the narrative of the championship fight has shifted from inevitability to cautious intrigue. For fans and pundits alike, the question now is whether Verstappen can continue to apply pressure on McLaren as the championship enters its final stretch.
The upcoming Singapore Grand Prix will serve as a crucial benchmark. The Marina Bay circuit is historically difficult for Red Bull and remains one of the few tracks where Verstappen has never claimed victory. Should he succeed there, it would not only break that streak but also demonstrate that Red Bull’s recent resurgence is not limited to power-dominated layouts. Until then, Verstappen is staying grounded, keeping expectations low while quietly building momentum toward what could be one of Formula 1’s most dramatic late-season battles in years.
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