Verstappen’s resurgence, a joint effort between Red Bull Racing’s technical staff and the Dutch driver himself, has put McLaren’s once firm grasp on the Drivers’ title in danger, as the gap that currently separates the title contending trio, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Verstappen, has shrunk to a mere 36 points.

The reigning F1 champion’s performances, Perez thinks, have made the Red Bull driver the reason why fans continue to tune in week in and week out.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 Perez said: “Max has been basically the action of the year, you know, he’s keeping everyone watching Formula 1.”

Verstappen’s uptick in the Drivers’ Standings, has been threefold, the Mexican argues, highlighting Red Bull’s turn-around, McLaren’s "messing around," and his former teammate’s prolific driving.

He continued: “Somehow they managed to transform the season, and now, with McLaren messing around, I think he has a real chance of getting it done. And I think he is the driver that deserves the most, this championship, because he’s been driving phenomenally.”

When asked for his prediction on who would eventually emerge as world champion out of Norris, Piastri and Verstappen, Perez backed the underdog, Verstappen, with a resolute: “I think so.”

McLaren leaders Andrea Stella and Zak Brown not only accept that Max Verstappen is a protagonist in the 2025 F1 season fight for the Drivers' crown, but they also commented on what they would do should the Dutch driver actually run away with the prize. Read Stella's and Brown's words here.

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