Debate | Have Verstappen’s chances of a fifth title really faded after costly DNF in Austria?

Max Verstappen will certainly not remember the 2025 Austrian GP as one of the best weekends of his career. The four-time world champion had already compromised his race during Saturday’s qualifying session, when a yellow flag caused by Pierre Gasly prevented him from improving his time in Q3, forcing him to start from seventh on the grid—behind even Liam Lawson.

Then disaster struck right from the start of the race, when Kimi Antonelli lost control of his Mercedes under braking and slammed into the rear of the Dutchman’s car, forcing Verstappen to retire after just a few laps.

It’s the two McLarens who are celebrating, extending their lead not only significantly in the Constructors’ Championship—which they had already practically secured—but, more importantly, in the Drivers’ Championship as well.

With the 18 points earned behind his teammate, Oscar Piastri now boasts 221 points—61 more than Verstappen. This means the Australian effectively has a two-and-a-half race cushion to use as a buffer and would still remain ahead of the Dutchman, not to mention fellow contender Lando Norris.