International media certain that Verstappen's 'disaster' weekend means fifth title 'slips away'
Co-author:Toby Nixon
Sandy is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with growing expertise in the sport. Combining hands-on experience in interviews and paddock access with her studies in sports communication, she provides reliable coverage and fresh insights into the pinnacle of motorsport.
Max Verstappen's Austrian Grand Prix came to an abrupt end in the opening lap following a collision with Andrea Kimi Antonelli. In the aftermath, international media were unanimous in their judgment: Verstappen's hopes of reclaiming the world title have effectively evaporated
Marca comment on Verstappen's 'disaster'
The Spanish newspaper Marca drew a firm conclusion following Max Verstappen’s retirement: the fight for the world championship is now solely between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. “Verstappen's dropout is a disaster and his first zero points since Australia 2024," it stated.
“With that, he is still far from the world championship, further than two race wins. The fifth consecutive title slips away. It's out of his hands now, and McLaren is getting stronger. They are playing for the 2025 championship,” explained the Spanish medium.
British media rule Verstappen out of 2025 title race
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The British press echoed that sentiment, noting that Verstappen had scarcely featured in the title fight to begin with. “Max Verstappen was punted out of the race and out of a title contest he was barely in," the Daily Mail wrote.
The Guardian also emphasised the seemingly insurmountable gap between Verstappen and championship leader Oscar Piastri.
“McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri achieved a dominant one-two, but Verstappen played no part in proceedings after he was struck by the Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli at turn three on the opening lap, knocking both cars out of the race.
"It leaves Verstappen 61 points adrift of Piastri in the championship, a lead that appears all but impossible to bridge given the pace advantage the McLaren enjoys over the rest of the field."
The UK media were also full of praise for Lando Norris after holding off his 'silent assassin teammate', Oscar Piastri, in Spielberg.
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Max Verstappen prior to the Austrian Grand Prix
La Gazzetta dello Sport note that Mercedes also suffered in Austria
The Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport also considered Mercedes' constructors' championship.
“The Austrian Grand Prix brought surprises from the first round. Antonelli made a mistake, lost control over his W16 in turn 3 and hit an innocent Verstappen.
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“Both were unable to finish the race due to the accident. A race without points that could weigh on Mercedes' constructors' championship and Max's drivers' championship.”
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