Former Formula 1 driver and pundit Johnny Herbert believes that Max Verstappen is still very much in the hunt for the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship.
, even though the odds are not stacked in his favor following the Singapore Grand Prix. While many have written off the reigning world champion due to the growing points deficit, Herbert insists that Verstappen’s experience, consistency, and Red Bull’s recent improvements could yet turn the tables in the final stretch of the season.
At the Marina Bay Circuit, Verstappen delivered another statement drive, finishing second behind Oscar Piastri and ahead of Lando Norris. The result allowed the Dutchman to trim Piastri’s championship lead by six points, reducing the gap to 63 points with six rounds remaining. Though it may not sound like much, Herbert emphasized that the dynamics between Piastri and Norris at McLaren could still open the door for Verstappen to capitalize.
🗣️ “Max again just showed that he’s not out of it at the moment,” Herbert said. “Because this battle’s going on with Oscar and Lando, there’s a potential for points to be taken away from them, which happened in Singapore because Max took points off the two McLaren drivers.”
Herbert’s observation highlights an important strategic element in the championship race: when teammates are close in performance and consistently battling each other, it can create opportunities for a third contender to benefit. In Singapore, both McLaren drivers fought for the win, but Verstappen’s presence on the podium ensured that neither Piastri nor Norris maximized their potential points haul.
🗣️ “Lando came out of it the best because he’s only 22 points behind,” Herbert added. “It was a tough race for Max, but he got the job done in difficult situations.”
Indeed, the Singapore Grand Prix once again showcased Verstappen’s ability to extract the most out of a tricky situation. Red Bull has endured a relatively inconsistent season by its high standards, with setup issues and fluctuating performance levels at certain tracks. Yet Verstappen’s adaptability and calmness under pressure have helped him secure crucial results when others faltered.
Herbert, who raced in F1 during the 1990s and later served as a Sky Sports analyst, knows how quickly the momentum in a title fight can swing. While he acknowledges that Verstappen’s chances of clinching a fourth consecutive championship are slim, he insists that it’s far from over.
🗣️ “Realistically he’s probably not really got the chance if the other two just keep on racing as they have been,” Herbert admitted. “And that luck is if the other two take the points away from each other and then give them to Max. That’s his biggest chance of doing it.”
In essence, Herbert suggests that Verstappen’s path to the title might not come through outright dominance, as seen in his previous seasons, but through consistency and strategic fortune. If McLaren’s internal battle intensifies — as it appears to be — the points equilibrium could shift enough to allow Verstappen to creep back into contention.
🗣️ “But you can’t rule him out,” Herbert continued. “He seems to be very comfortable with the car once again. The balance of the car definitely is shifting in a positive way for him.”
That improvement in car balance has been a major talking point since Red Bull introduced upgrades before the summer break. Earlier in the season, Verstappen struggled to find the confidence he once had in the RB21’s rear stability — a hallmark of his dominant performances in previous campaigns. However, recent races have shown a clear resurgence in both his comfort level and pace, hinting that the Dutchman and Red Bull might be rediscovering their championship-winning form at the right time.
The upcoming stretch of races — including Japan, the United States, Brazil, and Abu Dhabi — are venues where Verstappen has traditionally thrived. Red Bull’s car characteristics also tend to suit circuits with long straights and medium-speed corners, which could play into their hands. If Verstappen can consistently finish ahead of at least one McLaren driver, the title gap could shrink rapidly.
Still, Herbert’s analysis reflects the pragmatic reality of Formula 1: performance alone may not be enough. The sport often turns on fortune, timing, and the errors of others. With Piastri and Norris locked in a tight internal rivalry, the possibility of mistakes or strategic missteps increases. For Verstappen, every small window counts — and he’s built a reputation for seizing such moments with ruthless precision.
Beyond the mathematics, Herbert’s faith in Verstappen’s resilience speaks to the champion’s mental strength. Even when the odds seem overwhelming, Verstappen rarely loses focus. His Singapore performance — extracting a podium from a difficult weekend — symbolized that relentless mindset.
If Red Bull continues improving and Verstappen maintains his form, the final races of 2025 could deliver one of the most thrilling three-way title battles in recent memory. Whether he ultimately wins or not, Herbert believes Verstappen’s determination and composure ensure that he remains a key player in the story of this season.
In Formula 1, as history has shown time and again, championships are not decided until the final checkered flag. And with Max Verstappen still fighting — and a rejuvenated Red Bull behind him — Johnny Herbert’s warning to never count him out might just prove prophetic.