Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone still believes in a fifth title for Max Verstappen. According to the British businessman, the Dutchman stands ‘in a league of his own’ in the premier class, which is why Ecclestone still sees him as the most likely to win the championship in Abu Dhabi. ‘Lando simply can’t perform like Max when the pressure is high,’ explains the Brit.
Bernie Ecclestone was the top boss of Formula 1 until 2017, and has therefore seen many drivers come and go. The British businessman, like all F1 fans, is eagerly awaiting the climax of the 2025 season in Abu Dhabi. Although Lando Norris started the final Grand Prix weekend of the year with a 12-point lead over Max Verstappen, Ecclestone firmly believes that Verstappen will still take home the world cup.
“I still believe that Max is going to win,” Ecclestone candidly tells the Daily Mail. “He deserves it. I always said that Alain Prost was the best driver of all time, because he did it all by himself, without getting instructions from the pit wall via the radio,” the Brit seems to be referring to the much-discussed team orders from McLaren this season. “But I think Max is the best I know. He stands in a league of his own.”
‘Never bet against Max’
Ecclestone also immediately explains why he thinks championship leader Norris will fall short. “Lando is fine, a very good driver, but he is too self-confident, too arrogant, believes his own publicity, but he gets nervous at crucial moments and can’t perform like Max can when the pressure is high,” says the businessman. “I’ve said from the start of the season that Max would ultimately make it, and I still believe that’s the case. You can never bet against Max. He’s something special. He’s unique and a really nice guy, and I hope he gets the job done. Moreover, he has nothing to lose, so that’s also an advantage.”
