Toto Wolff believes Max Verstappen can still challenge for the 2025 F1 championship. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says Max Verstappen remains a serious contender for the F1 title.

Never count Max out

As the Formula 1 paddock heads towards the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, the question on every fan’s mind is clear: can Max Verstappen truly challenge the two McLaren drivers and fight for a world championship that, until a few weeks ago, seemed like a private duel between the two papaya-colored cars? The Marina Bay round could provide an important verdict, either confirming or dismissing the Dutch driver’s chances.

The person seemingly willing to bet on Max Verstappen’s title hopes is Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Wolff has long been a vocal admirer of Verstappen’s abilities—who isn’t, after all?—and has even tried multiple times to persuade the Red Bull star to join the Brackley team. The Austrian manager is well aware that Verstappen’s title chances are slim, but he believes that with a little luck, the reigning world champion can still make a strong bid to retain his #1 status.

A points-scoring machine

“He’s in a good moment,” Toto Wolff commented, referring to Max Verstappen’s current form. “The car is strong, and with Max Verstappen at the wheel, you always have to be careful about what he can achieve, especially when he sees the championship back within his reach. Recovering 69 points is a tough target,” Wolff acknowledged, “and everything needs to go in his favor, but if the championship leader fails to finish and Max scores 25 points, things could change very quickly.”

“It’s a tough fight,” concluded the Mercedes team principal, “but Max is a points-scoring machine, and Singapore will be a completely different challenge. I have no doubts that Ferrari, after a disappointing performance in Azerbaijan, and McLaren will also be very strong in Singapore.”