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Despite a storming charge during the second half of the Mexico City Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was defeated by a McLaren driver for the first time in five races and was defeated by Lando Norris for the first time in six.
The defending world champion, who now also sits just 36 points behind the British driver at the top of the standings, finished on the podium in the Mexican capital after starting from the third row.
But starting on the medium tyres, building an offset that brought him to the rear wing of Charles Leclerc's Ferrari in the closing stages, a late-race virtual safety car thwarted him from improving up to second.
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Speaking to Sky Sports F1 post-race, the Dutchman said: "The most important thing is we need to be faster.
"We had some really good races, but even in the races we won if you look at the tyre management then McLaren are still very strong. Then in a weekend when they have more pace in general, you have no chance."
And on the battle that could not be realised, versus Charles Leclerc, he added: "The softs were getting worn; it would have been a nice battle to the end, but that is fine. It happens. Sometimes it works for you and sometimes it works against you with a Virtual Safety Car or a Safety Car.
"I was getting very excited to battle with Leclerc. We always have good battles."
Despite being defeated by the now-championship leader, Verstappen has closed his lead to the top by another four points, after Oscar Piastri could only manage fifth place for the second weekend in succession.
This means that the title is still out of the Dutchman's hands, but he is crucially still in the fight, given that a sub-optimal weekend for the RB21 still yields a podium finish, at least in his capable hands!
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 27, 2025Has Verstappen won at 2025's final four tracks?
After sitting 104 points off the points lead after the Dutch Grand Prix, it is remarkable that the Red Bull driver is even in the battle still. But each of the final four tracks that will be raced at in 2025 have been tracks in which Verstappen has conquered.
He has won in Brazil (excluding sprints) three times and famously went from P17 to the win last year, in sodden conditions. He has also won in Las Vegas, and did so in 2023. He also has a pair of victories at the Qatar Grand Prix and has won in Abu Dhabi four times.
Hence, it is still silly to write off this incredible driver in this incredible conclusion to this championship fight.
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