Verstappen carries momentum into pivotal title weekend

Max Verstappen arrives in Qatar with history and confidence on his side, having conquered the Qatar Grand Prix twice in a row in 2023 and again in 2024. This creates a very real psychological edge for the Dutchman heading into one of the most decisive race weekends of the 2025 Formula One season.

Two victories at the same venue do not guarantee success, but they do provide belief and rhythm, and Verstappen is well aware that momentum counts for something when everything is on the line.

He has won the main race in both of his previous appearances at this circuit, although he did not perform as well during the sprints, which were dominated by Oscar Piastri.

That record is encouraging but also a reminder that Qatar has not been a complete sweep for him. This time the situation is even more intense. There are only 58 points left to fight for across the remaining race weekends, including the sprint and main race points.

Verstappen needs to take thirty-three of those points away if he wants the title battle to roll over into the Abu Dhabi finale. The maths are simple but ruthless: win the race and the sprint.

If Lando Norris comes away from Qatar with victory in both the sprint and the Grand Prix itself, he will be crowned 2025 World Champion and the fight will end right there at Lusail.

No twist, no late-season miracle, no final-day decider. Everything rests on what happens over a single weekend. Even under that pressure, Verstappen has stayed composed and grounded. Speaking recently about the possibility of losing out on the championship, he made it clear that disappointment will not define him.

"At some point you come back to reality and know that it will not go like that everywhere," he said, adding that he is satisfied with the improvement to the car and team this season.

"I am pretty good at putting things into perspective and letting things go. I am not going to cry about it," the champion said.

It is that mindset that makes Verstappen more dangerous now than ever. A driver chasing a title with nothing to lose can be unstoppable. A driver chasing it while accepting whatever outcome comes his way can be even more powerful.

Both McLaren drivers are young and eager to make their name; the pressure of chasing a first World Title may be too much to handle for some.

Qatar will decide what story 2025 becomes. It could be heartbreak or it could be the beginning of an unforgettable comeback charge. For Verstappen, it may simply be a case of three times lucky.