Alex Palou, the reigning IndyCar champion, has recently expressed his support for Max Verstappen’s bold claim that he would have easily clinched the 2025 F1 drivers’ championship if he were driving the dominant McLaren car. Verstappen’s statement before the Qatar GP stirred some controversy, especially with Lando Norris, the current championship leader.
While Norris acknowledged Verstappen’s success in winning four world championships, he criticized the claim as “nonsense.” In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, Palou, when asked if he could have won the F1 championship in the McLaren, expressed his confidence but also acknowledged the unpredictability of racing, stating, “Maybe I’d get in that car and be half a second slower.”
However, when questioned about Verstappen’s potential to win this year’s championship with McLaren, Palou had no doubts, stating, “Max is the only one who would have won two months ago.” McLaren’s dominance in the 2025 F1 season was evident as they secured the constructors’ championship with six races remaining. Despite Oscar Piastri’s initial lead in the championship, Verstappen’s consistent podium finishes and race wins have now put him ahead by four points, with Norris still leading by 12 points.
In a show of empathy towards Norris, Verstappen shared insights into the pressures faced by drivers contending for their first F1 title. Drawing from his own experience in the 2021 championship battle, Verstappen highlighted the immense pressure and uncertainty that come with fighting for that elusive title. He emphasized the mental toll of being in the title fight and the ability to block out external negativity.
Verstappen’s victory at the Qatar GP narrowed the gap to Norris to 12 points, with Piastri trailing by 16 points. As the championship reaches its climax, the pressure is mounting on all contenders, with Verstappen’s momentum posing a significant threat to Norris’ lead.
Overall, the 2025 F1 season is shaping up to be a thrilling battle for the championship, with Verstappen’s assertion of his potential in a McLaren adding an intriguing dimension to the narrative. As the season concludes, fans can expect more intense showdowns on the track as the drivers vie for that coveted title.
