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Jacques Villeneuve predicts Max Verstappen will win 2025 Formula 1 title over McLaren duo

Originally posted on HITC  |  By Ben Evans  |  Last updated Oct 13, 2025 8:16 AM ET

While the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship was expected to come down to a battle between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Max Verstappen isn’t ready to be counted out just yet.

Red Bull have made some strides with the RB21 in recent races, giving Verstappen a real chance to re-enter the title race. With six races remaining, Verstappen trails Piastri by 63 points in the standings.

Norris sits between them and made his presence felt in Singapore by overtaking Piastri on the first lap, which added another layer of tension to their rivalry.

Piastri’s lead might look safe for now, but one more slip-up or mechanical failure could quickly change the narrative. David Coulthard has noticed a shift in Verstappen’s mood recently, noting that he seems more settled at Red Bull following back-to-back wins at Monza and Baku.

Verstappen isn’t closing the gap fast enough just yet, but another McLaren mishap could shift things quickly. David Coulthard has noted that Verstappen seems happier at Red Bull lately and his wins at Monza and Baku have certainly caught McLaren’s attention.

Now 1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve has shared his thoughts on this season’s title race and explained why he believes Verstappen can overcome the deficit before Abu Dhabi.

Villeneuve, speaking as a guest at Il Festival dello Sport di Trento 2025, was asked who he expects to win this year’s championship.

“Verstappen, and so it will be his best World Championship ever. Because the two McLaren drivers are suffering too much from the pressure,” Villeneuve said. “They need to wake up.”

Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images

When asked which driver he thinks is quickest over a single lap, Villeneuve didn’t hesitate: “Max. And he is because he is the best, because he is also old school.

“He gives instructions to the engineers, perhaps against their data. And then it turns out that he’s often right. No one else does that, for a very simple reason: the others aren’t as good as he is.

“Once upon a time, there were four or five drivers at a similar level to the best. Take Senna, for example. That’s not the case now. Now, engineers want drivers who don’t talk, who do what they tell them to do.

Mika Hakkinen echoed those thoughts about Verstappen: “Max is incredible, incredible in how complete he is. He’s the driver without teammates because his teammates are never comparable to him. “And that more than anything else is the measure of his greatness.”

The next few races might not suit Red Bull perfectly, but that’s unlikely to bother Verstappen too much. He’s won at each of the final six venues on the calendar and has some standout performances among them.

Coulthard once said Verstappen’s drive in Sao Paulo last year, where he came through the field in heavy rain, made him “fall in love” with Formula 1 all over again.

Verstappen has also thrived in Mexico City’s unique stadium setting, and there’s one Abu Dhabi win that will always be remembered.

READ MORE: Toto Wolff once highlighted what Niki Lauda brought to Mercedes meetings that no one else could

Villeneuve had doubts about Verstappen heading into Singapore, but even though George Russell was out of reach, Verstappen still finished ahead of both McLaren drivers.

That result should only add to his belief that he can close the gap further when the championship heads to Austin for the United States Grand Prix.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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