Max Verstappen admits that the 2025 title is still winnable following his successful weekend in Austin.

Having won both the Grand Prix and the Sprint the Dutchman takes away the maximum 33 points this weekend, while Lando Norris left COTA with 18 and championship leader Piastri just 10.

However, it is the fact that Piastri hasn't graced the podium since Monza, while Verstappen has claimed three wins, to come within 40 points, that really causes concern for McLaren fans.

Before Red Bull introduced its successful upgrade in Italy, the Dutchman had written-off any hope of the title, and even since he has refused to dwell on the possibility, insisting he was taking things one race at a time.

However, following his tour-de-force weekend in Texas the four-time world champion is finally beginning to realise that a fifth straight crown is possible.

Asked, post-race, what he would have said if told at his home race in Zandvoort - when he was 104 points adrift of Piastri - that by Austin he would be challenging for the title, Verstappen replied: "I would have told him he was an idiot!

"But we found a good way with the car," he continued, "it's as simple as that.

"Of course, we put some upgrades on the car, but we understood our car a bit better where we wanted to perform better. Every weekend, we try to achieve it.

"Some weekends, it's better than others, but in general, it's been way more straightforward the last few weekends compared to before those races.

"I mean, I know that we need to be perfect 'til the end to have a chance, so that's what we just need to focus on," he added. "And I don't know, I mean, like I said before, it's super close, and just attention to detail will make the difference.

"Trying to get the best setup on the weekend and then try and not make mistakes. So that's what we'll all try to do."

There are five races remaining, and two Sprints, meaning 141 points are still on offer.

"I know that we need to be perfect until the end to have a chance, so that's what we just need to focus on," he said. "And, I don't know, I mean, like I said before, it's super close, and just attention to detail will make the difference. Trying to get the best set-up on the weekend and then try and not make mistakes. So that's what we'll all try to do."

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