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Max Verstappen wants no lightning and thunderstorms - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Schumacher outlines circumstances for possible Verstappen title

11:44, 15 Nov

Updated: 11:50, 15 Nov

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byBen Winship

Ralf Schumacher has said that a Max Verstappen title in 2025 is unlikely under normal circumstances.

"I'd say it's more of an outside chance.”

- Ralf Schumacher

With three races and one Sprint remaining this season, Verstappen trails championship leader Lando Norris by 49 points.

In an interview with Sky Deutschland, the former F1 driver and pundit said: "I think we'd all like to see an open battle. But under normal circumstances, that's hardly possible.

“The only thing that's happening right now, because Mercedes has also become so strong, is that one or two other drivers might try to get between the two McLarens.

“And if Max Verstappen has a great race, he has a chance to score more points. But I'd say it's more of an outside chance.”

McLaren in pole position

After back-to-back race wins in Mexico and Brazil, Norris has put himself in a strong position to win the world drivers title this season and now leads teammate Oscar Piastri by 24 points.

If Norris outscores Verstappen by 10 points or more in Las Vegas, the Red Bull driver will mathematically be out of contention for this year’s title.

This would leave only the two McLarens in the hunt going into the Sprint weekend in Qatar and the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Norris trophy Brazil McLaren RacePictures JPEG

Lando Norris claimed a maximum of 33 points in Brazil - Photo: RacePictures

Schumacher recognised tension in the McLaren camp.

“The two McLaren drivers aren't exactly on the best of terms at the moment.

“You can tell everyone's fighting for the World Championship now, and nobody wants to let it slip away. The two of them could easily collide in a corner."

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