Helmut Marko demands “nerves of steel” from Max Verstappen to beat Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the F1 title

Max Verstappen’s resurgence since the summer break has turned what once looked like a McLaren-only fight into a genuine three-way championship battle with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. It has also changed Red Bull’s outlook, reigniting belief within Milton Keynes that a fifth consecutive world title might still be possible.

The 2025 Mexican Grand Prix has opened up the title fight further, as Norris dethroned Piastri from the top of the standings for the first time in over six months. Red Bull has also mounted a late surge. In the last five races, Verstappen has recovered from a 104-point deficit to sit within 35 points of the lead.

Heading into the final four races, Norris leads the standings with 357 points, just ahead of Piastri on 356, while the Dutchman sits third with 321. Speaking about Verstappen’s momentum and the championship picture, Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko said (via sport.de):

“(Max Verstappen has) already achieved some special feats, but if he manages this comeback, that would be particularly sensational... Now it's about having nerves of steel and not making any mistakes. Nuances will decide it.”

Max Verstappen has been the most consistent scorer since the August break, finishing on the podium in every race and taking three pole-to-flag victories in Monza, Baku, and Austin.

(L-R) Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri at Monza. Source: Getty

The mechanics of that comeback matter. Verstappen’s charge has relied on upgraded straight-line speed, cleaner tire management late in stints, and near-error-free weekends. His ability to consistently extract maximum results despite a still-uneven RB21 has impressed even his critics, and it’s that calm under pressure that Marko is banking on.

McLaren’s recent form swing has hinged on Lando Norris getting a stronger feel from his car across Austin and Mexico, while Oscar Piastri has suffered a rare drop in performance in low-grip conditions. With four rounds left - Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi - the championship still has room for major swings, including two sprint weekends.

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Helmut Marko recalls Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen’s title-winning final-day miracles

Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen during the 2022 F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi. Source: Getty

Helmut Marko drew comparisons between Max Verstappen’s current situation and Red Bull’s most famous championship triumphs. He cited three past seasons as proof that a late turnaround can win titles. Speaking in the exclusive interview, he added:

“We believe in it. We have the will and a small chance. In 2010, we managed it in the last race, in 2012 as well, and in 2021 Verstappen became world champion on the last lap.”

In 2010, Sebastian Vettel clinched his first world title in Abu Dhabi after starting the final race third in the standings behind Fernando Alonso and teammate Mark Webber. Vettel’s pole-to-flag victory clinched the championship by just four points.

Two years later, the 2012 finale in Brazil delivered even greater drama. Vettel, then defending champion, spun on the opening lap but fought back from the rear of the field to finish sixth, beating Alonso for the title again, this time by three points.

Lastly, in 2021, Verstappen etched his own name into F1 history with one of the sport’s most controversial finishes. Those examples show how small margins, timing, and a clean run of results can sway the tide of a championship.

Edited by Riddhiman Sarkar