How crucial was the Norris–Leclerc fight to Verstappen’s US GP dominance?
Max Verstappen believes the gap to Lando Norris in the US GP wouldn’t have been as big had he not been caught up in a battle with Charles Leclerc during the race.
"Every time Lando was in clean air, we were very evenly matched. It wouldn't have been the gap that it was at the end"- Max Verstappen
The Briton, who started alongside Verstappen, lost second place off the line to Charles Leclerc, who made the most of his late switch to soft tyres to jump ahead and hold him back for much of the race — until Norris finally found a way through just before the pit stop phase.
Leclerc then pulled off an undercut to rejoin ahead once again, but despite a valiant defensive effort against multiple attacks from Norris, he eventually lost the position five laps from the end.
Asked how the race might have played out without Leclerc in the mix, Verstappen told GPblog: "I think then it would be a very close race. Every time I think that Lando was in clean air, we were very evenly matched. Maybe at times, he was a bit faster as well. It wouldn't have been the gap that it was at the end."
How Verstappen can still claim the 2025 title with five races to go
Only a few weeks ago, the idea of Max Verstappen fighting for the title felt like wishful thinking. Yet after sweeping both the sprint and the Grand Prix in Austin, the Dutchman has brought himself roaring back into contention.
His pace in Texas didn’t just underline the RB21’s resurgence; it also exposed cracks in McLaren’s armour. Both Norris and Piastri stumbled in the sprint, and with the Australian salvaging only fifth on Sunday, the championship picture has changed significantly.
Now, as Formula 1 heads for the final run-in, Verstappen no longer needs a miracle of permutations or wild scenarios to keep his crown hopes alive.
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