Verstappen five time world champion? Still possible, but at one condition

20:55, 21 Jul

Updated: 21:05, 21 Jul

byKimberley Hoefnagel

Can Max Verstappen still fight for the title this year? According to Jacques Villeneuve, the answer is yes—but only on one condition: that the McLaren drivers start getting in each other’s way.

As we hit the halfway point of the Formula 1 season, it’s clear that Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have emerged as the main title contenders. According to Jacques Villeneuve, it will be tough for the four-time world champion to come out on top this year.

''Max will always be in it for some race wins and points, but the championship is tough,'' he said via F1.com.

''You cannot be on the edge the whole time – it won’t always go in your favour.''

Max Verstappen at Silverstone

Verstappen can benefit from McLaren

However, the 1997 world champion did suggest a scenario in which Verstappen could make a serious bid for his fifth consecutive title: ''Unless the two McLaren boys make a mess, end up fighting too harshly like they did in Canada, like they almost did in Austria…''

Something changed after the British GP, according to the former F1 champion: ''After Silverstone, there’s one half of the camp that’s upset, so I’m curious to see how that will evolve in the coming races.''

Therefore, the Canadian dares not make any clear predictions regarding the world championship: ''I wouldn’t know who to put my money on – I just have no idea right now…''