Four-time world champion Max Verstappen says he feels ‘no pressure’ as the Formula 1 title fight heads into its final rounds, calling it “remarkable” that he’s still in contention.
Five races after his home event in the Netherlands left him 104 points adrift, Verstappen arrives at this weekend’s São Paulo Grand Prix just 36 points behind Lando Norris. Norris’s McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri sits only one point further back, underlining McLaren’s status as the class of the field this season.
Verstappen, who returns to the scene of last year’s dramatic wet-weather win that ended Norris’s title bid, praised his own campaign and the team’s recovery. “For me, there is no pressure,” he said. He added that even if he doesn’t take the championship, he can be proud of a season many on the grid would find hard to match.
He urged realism about the chances left, but warned that the mere fact the fight remains alive after such a big deficit is notable. Verstappen applauded the team’s turnaround, saying they never gave up — and that resilience is a major strength.
Having closed a substantial gap in the closing phase of the season, Verstappen’s comments mix confidence with perspective: satisfied with what he’s delivered so far, respectful of McLaren’s pace, and focused on making the most of the remaining races.
With four races to go and momentum shifting, the title chase will be decided across circuits where experience, strategy and conditions can all play a decisive role.
