Leclerc expects surprise if Verstappen takes 2025

The Ferrari driver believes McLaren's Oscar Piastri remains favorite despite the Red Bull star's remarkable recovery from a 104-point deficit

Max Verstappen's championship hopes appear far from over, but not everyone is convinced.

Charles Leclerc has cast doubt on whether the reigning four-time world champion can actually complete his sensational recovery to claim a fifth consecutive title.

The Ferrari driver's skepticism stands in stark contrast to the enthusiasm rippling through the paddock.

The numbers tell a dramatic story

Verstappen's recent form has transformed what seemed like a foregone conclusion into a genuine title fight.

The Dutchman has slashed Oscar Piastri's championship lead from 104 points after the Dutch Grand Prix to just 40 points with five rounds remaining.

Red Bull's relentless development push has paid dividends. While McLaren and Ferrari stopped major upgrades weeks ago, Red Bull continued refining the RB21 despite incoming regulation changes for 2026.

The result has been devastating. Verstappen claimed four victories including one sprint and a second-place finish across the last four grands prix.

Leclerc's measured assessment

The Ferrari driver remains unconvinced despite Verstappen's blistering pace. His analysis reflects both respect and realism about the mathematical challenge ahead.

"I mean, I'm never surprised,"

Leclerc said.

"Max is always driving at a very high level, and considering Red Bull is probably the team that has pushed the developments more than other teams, it's not a complete surprise."

But Leclerc drew a clear line between admiration and expectation.

"I'll be very surprised if he manages to win the championship from where he is,"

he added.

"It's still 40 points, and 40 points is significant. So if I had to bet one dollar, I probably would on the McLaren drivers. But you can never rule out Max."

The rookie perspective

Leclerc's caution contrasts sharply with younger drivers' enthusiasm. Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto, who counts Verstappen as a friend, called the comeback historic.

"Let's say it's one of the best comebacks of a championship, in my view, ever done in history,"

Bortoleto said.

"He didn't have the best car, or even the top three car, for most of the parts of the year, and he has been able to be in the title fight for this long."

Haas rookie Oliver Bearman went further, branding Verstappen "the best driver that's ever been in F1."

He noted that Verstappen previously lacked a competitive car but now appears ready to challenge.

"Previously in the year he didn't have a car to compete, but now it looks like he does,"

Bearman explained.

"It's going to be really cool to see how these last five pan out."

The psychological edge

Williams driver Carlos Sainz identified a crucial factor in Verstappen's recent dominance. The underdog position appears to suit the Dutchman perfectly.

"With that philosophy of 'nothing to lose', everything feels less pressure on your shoulders and you just go and send it,"

Sainz analyzed.

"He's maximising his chances with that philosophy."

Alpine's Pierre Gasly emphasized the importance of resilience. He admitted surprise at how quickly Verstappen closed the gap.

"I'm not going to lie, I'm even a little surprised that he came back that fast and that close to the front,"

Gasly said.

"I'm sure he's building up the pressure on the two McLaren guys."

Title fight wide open

The championship picture remains fluid with three genuine contenders.

Verstappen's early season victories at Suzuka and Imola came through marginal pole positions and flawless Sunday drives when Red Bull's car was less competitive.

Now armed with improved machinery, he faces McLaren's duo of Piastri and Lando Norris.

The Woking team dominated through summer but now finds itself defending rather than extending.

Gasly summed up the situation perfectly. All three drivers can win, making the final five rounds potentially one of Formula 1's greatest championship battles.