automotive - The Latremie Post

How Ross Chastain’s Charlotte woes gave Joey Logano a lifeline in the NASCAR championship fight?

Ross Chastain endured a challenging day at the Charlotte Roval, as pit stop miscues and a chaotic finish ultimately cost him a spot in the final Round of 8. The No. 1 driver lost out to Joey Logano in a dramatic battle for the last transfer position.

Chastain started the race in 10th position, while Logano began further back in 17th. Despite the setback on the starting grid, the Trackhouse driver was fast enough to earn valuable stage points early on. However, his day took a turn for the worse after overshooting his pit exit following Stage 1. Although he managed to recover and even passed Logano during Stage 2, more trouble awaited him.

During a pit stop on lap 87, Chastain was caught speeding on pit road. He quickly double-clicked into third gear and dialed back, but it was not enough to avoid a costly pass-through penalty. Later in the race, with 10 laps remaining, Logano pitted, leaving Chastain with a 10-point lead in the standings. Chastain chose to stay out on the track, hoping to fight for his spot in the playoffs.

With just four laps to go, Logano had gained momentum, passing multiple cars and narrowing the points gap to just three. In a desperate attempt to maintain his position, Chastain made a risky move trying to pass Denny Hamlin in the final corners. Unfortunately, the maneuver resulted in a collision that wiped out both cars. Chastain scrambled across the finish line in reverse, while Logano managed to pass him by a mere 0.167 seconds, clinching the final transfer spot.

Reflecting on the incident, a teammate commented, “I saw [Chastain] going in there sideways trying to get the No. 11, and I was like, ‘Oh boy, this could be the difference right here.’ But at that point, I was just a passenger. I was too far back to do anything myself, so I was just going to go through the corner and hope for the best.”

Amidst the drama, Trackhouse teammate Shane van Gisbergen emerged victorious, securing his fifth consecutive win on road courses.

Taking full responsibility for the outcome, Chastain appeared visibly dejected after his playoff exit. “Today, we were good enough to run top five and I took us out of that. It’s all on me,” he admitted.

Chastain’s exit paves the way for defending champion Joey Logano to secure yet another shot at the title. Meanwhile, Logano’s teammate Ryan Blaney trails the playoff leader, Denny Hamlin, by just two points — setting up a thrilling remainder of the season.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nascar/news-how-ross-chastain-s-charlotte-woes-gave-joey-logano-lifeline-nascar-championship-fight

Maruti Suzuki’s Victoris registers 25,000+ bookings: Check waiting period

**Maruti Suzuki Victoris Registers Over 25,000 Bookings: Check Waiting Period and Key Details**

*By Akash Pandey | October 3, 2025, 03:29 PM*

Maruti Suzuki’s latest mid-size SUV, the **Victoris**, has received an overwhelming response since its launch just a few weeks ago. Sold exclusively through Maruti’s Arena dealerships, the Victoris has already garnered over **25,000 bookings** in a span of just over two weeks, highlighting strong market demand for the new offering.

### Surge in Demand & Waiting Period

The massive popularity of the Victoris has led to a waiting period of up to **10 weeks** for customers. However, the actual waiting time varies depending on factors such as the chosen variant, color preference, and geographical region. Buyers can choose from six main variants and 10 color options, along with three engine choices and three transmission options.

### Strategic Launch to Boost Sales During Festive Season

The launch of the Victoris is a strategic move by Maruti Suzuki to strengthen its presence in the highly competitive Indian utility vehicle segment. Maruti already has a robust lineup in this space with models like the **Fronx**, **Brezza**, and **Grand Vitara**. Coupled with reduced GST rates and attractive festive season offers, the Victoris is expected to significantly contribute to Maruti’s sales growth during this peak buying period.

### Performance Specifications

The Victoris comes equipped with three engine options:

– A 1,462cc K15C petrol engine with strong hybrid technology
– A petrol-CNG bi-fuel powertrain
– A 1,490cc M15D petrol engine

Transmission options include a 5-speed manual gearbox, a 6-speed automatic unit, and an e-CVT available with the strong hybrid variant. The SUV promises impressive fuel efficiency, delivering mileage ranging between **19.07 km/l and 28.65 km/l**, depending on the engine and technology selected.

### Market Competition

In its segment, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris competes with well-established rivals such as the **Kia Seltos**, **Hyundai Creta**, and **Volkswagen Taigun**. With a strong combination of engine choices, fuel options including petrol, strong hybrid, and CNG, as well as versatile transmission offerings, the Victoris aims to attract a broad spectrum of customers seeking performance, efficiency, and value.

—

The Victoris marks Maruti Suzuki’s ambitious push to capture a larger share of the growing Indian SUV market, backed by its extensive dealership network, competitive pricing, and innovative technology. Prospective buyers looking to own the Victoris should prepare for a waiting period of up to 10 weeks, reflecting the SUV’s strong demand and popularity.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/maruti-suzuki-victoris-gets-25-000-bookings-in-2-weeks/story

Maruti Suzuki’s Victoris registers 25,000+ bookings: Check waiting period

**Maruti Suzuki’s Victoris Registers Over 25,000 Bookings: Check Waiting Period**

*By Akash Pandey | Oct 03, 2025, 03:29 PM*

Maruti Suzuki’s latest mid-size SUV, the Victoris, has witnessed an overwhelming response since its launch a few weeks ago. Sold exclusively through Arena dealerships, the Victoris has amassed over 25,000 bookings in just over two weeks, marking a significant success for Maruti’s flagship offering under its Arena retail network.

**Surging Demand and Waiting Period**

The massive demand for the Maruti Suzuki Victoris has resulted in a waiting period of up to 10 weeks for customers. However, this waiting time may vary depending on factors such as the chosen variant, color, and geographic location.

The SUV is available in six main variants and offers 10 color options. Buyers can choose from three engine types and three transmission options based on their preferences.

**Strategic Launch Ahead of Festive Season**

The introduction of the Victoris is a strategic move by Maruti Suzuki to strengthen its foothold in the Indian utility vehicle segment. The company already has a strong presence with models like the Fronx, Brezza, and Grand Vitara.

With reduced GST rates and attractive festive offers, the Victoris is expected to significantly contribute to Maruti’s sales boost during the upcoming festive season.

**Performance and Specifications**

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris promises impressive fuel efficiency, delivering mileage of up to 28.65 km/l. It comes equipped with three engine options:

– A 1,462cc K15C petrol engine featuring strong hybrid technology
– A petrol-CNG bi-fuel powertrain
– A 1,490cc M15D petrol motor

Transmission choices include a five-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed automatic unit, and an e-CVT, available on the strong hybrid variant. Depending on the engine and technology, the fuel economy ranges between 19.07 km/l and 28.65 km/l.

**Competition in the Market**

The Victoris competes directly with popular mid-size SUVs like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and Volkswagen Taigun. Offering multiple powertrain and transmission options, including a CNG variant, Maruti Suzuki aims to cater to a wide range of buyers seeking efficiency, versatility, and modern features.

—

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris, with its strong market response and competitive offerings, is poised to become a key player in the Indian mid-size SUV segment this festive season. Prospective buyers are advised to check variant-specific waiting periods and make their bookings early.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/maruti-suzuki-victoris-gets-25-000-bookings-in-2-weeks/story

Maruti Suzuki’s Victoris registers 25,000+ bookings: Check waiting period

**Maruti Suzuki Victoris Registers Over 25,000 Bookings: Check Waiting Period**

*By Akash Pandey | Oct 03, 2025, 03:29 PM*

Maruti Suzuki’s latest mid-size SUV, the Victoris, has received an overwhelming response since its launch just a few weeks ago. Sold exclusively through Arena dealerships, the Victoris has already amassed over 25,000 bookings in a span of just over two weeks, marking a strong debut for Maruti Suzuki in the competitive utility vehicle segment.

**Surging Demand Leads to Extended Waiting Period**

The massive popularity of the Victoris has caused waiting periods to extend up to 10 weeks. However, this waiting time varies depending on the selected variant, color, and regional demand. The SUV is offered in six main variants and ten color options, giving customers a wide variety to choose from according to their preferences.

**A Strategic Launch for the Festive Season**

Maruti Suzuki’s introduction of the Victoris is a strategic move aimed at boosting the company’s market share in the lucrative Indian utility vehicle segment. Alongside existing models like the Fronx, Brezza, and Grand Vitara, the Victoris is expected to contribute significantly to overall sales, especially during the upcoming festive season. Coupled with reduced GST rates and attractive festive offers, the timing of the launch is set to capitalize on heightened consumer interest.

**Impressive Performance and Engine Options**

The Victoris offers three distinct engine options to cater to diverse customer needs:
– A 1,462cc K15C petrol engine equipped with strong hybrid technology.
– A petrol-CNG bi-fuel powertrain.
– A 1,490cc M15D petrol engine.

Transmission choices include a five-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed automatic unit, and an e-CVT available exclusively on the strong hybrid variant. Depending on the engine and transmission combination, the fuel efficiency ranges from 19.07 km/l to an impressive 28.65 km/l, making it a fuel-efficient option in its segment.

**Competition in the Mid-Size SUV Segment**

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris directly competes with popular models like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and Volkswagen Taigun. With its range of engine and transmission options, plus competitive fuel economy and pricing, the Victoris is well-positioned to attract buyers looking for a reliable and feature-packed mid-size SUV in India.

—

Stay tuned for more updates on the Maruti Suzuki Victoris and its availability at your nearest Arena dealership.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/maruti-suzuki-victoris-gets-25-000-bookings-in-2-weeks/story

Shane van Gisbergen “over the moon” after milestone finish at Kansas

Shane van Gisbergen bagged a P10 this past weekend at Kansas Speedway, marking his maiden top-10 finish at a NASCAR oval. The Cup Series rookie won multiple races throughout the regular season, but notably, none of them were on ovals.

Van Gisbergen had to battle several issues during the 301-lap event, including a stop-and-go penalty and his crew chief, Stephen Dorian, getting ejected due to unapproved adjustments on his No. 88 Camaro. Despite these setbacks, the Trackhouse Racing driver managed to secure a career-best run and felt stoked about the achievement.

During a post-race interview with NBC Sports, van Gisbergen—most commonly known as SVG—said:
“It was really cool to get a top-10 finish at Kansas Speedway. I feel like we’re getting better and better at these tracks. It was difficult starting a lap down and having that penalty, but (interim crew chief) Chais Eliason did a great job. We had really good speed at points of the race, so I’m stoked to get a top-10. I’m over the moon with that.”

Previously, Shane van Gisbergen had earned a personal-best finish of 12th at Martinsville Fall 2024 on an oval and 14th at Charlotte Spring 2025 on an intermediate track. He made the playoffs through his regular-season triumphs but failed to advance beyond the Round of 16.

Currently sitting 14th in points with four top-five finishes and six top-10s, the former Supercars champion can still contend for his fifth NASCAR win of the season.

Next up for the Auckland native is the Bank of ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway road course. Scheduled for Sunday, October 5, the 109-lap event will stream live on USA Network, with exclusive radio coverage on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Channel 90.

—

### Following a Rookie Season Playoff Appearance, Shane van Gisbergen Bags Multi-Year Contract Extension with Trackhouse Racing

Shane van Gisbergen was ushered into NASCAR’s premier series with a victory at Chicago back in 2023. After a stellar season in the Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing, van Gisbergen made the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025, quickly establishing himself as one of the strongest road racers on the grid.

After making the playoffs in his maiden Cup season, van Gisbergen landed a multi-year contract extension with Trackhouse Racing, a three-car team with whom he made his Cup debut.

“We are getting to watch one of the superstars of racing,” Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks said of Shane van Gisbergen. “What we are asking him to do carries a high degree of difficulty. He’s moved to the other side of the world, learned a new form of racing, and at times dominated the competition. He’s one of the greatest.”

Before joining NASCAR, Shane van Gisbergen drove full-time in the Supercars Championship for Triple Eight Race Engineering. He won the drivers’ championship three times—in 2016, 2021, and 2022. Van Gisbergen also triumphed at the prestigious Bathurst 1000 three times, in 2020, 2022, and 2023.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nascar/news-shane-van-gisbergen-over-moon-milestone-finish-kansas

Tata Motors shares jump as JLR bags $2B government loan

**Tata Motors Shares Surge as Jaguar Land Rover Secures $2 Billion Government-Backed Loan**

*By Mudit Dube | September 29, 2025, 10:55 AM*

Tata Motors witnessed a notable rise in its share price today following the announcement that its subsidiary, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), has secured a $2 billion (1.5 billion GBP) loan. This privately financed loan is guaranteed by the UK’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance.

**Purpose of the Loan**

The financial assistance aims to alleviate the pressure on JLR’s suppliers and support a phased restart of the company’s operations. This move comes in the wake of a cyberattack in August that severely disrupted JLR’s production and IT networks, leading to a complete operational shutdown.

**Operational Impact of the Cyberattack**

Due to the cyberattack, JLR has been forced to halt production longer than initially expected, with shutdowns extending into the coming month. Reports from the Financial Times indicate that JLR could face losses totaling approximately $2 billion, as the company was not insured against such cyber incidents. This significant financial hit threatens to erase JLR’s entire profit for the fiscal year 2025.

Despite these challenges, news of the phased resumption of operations has positively impacted Tata Motors’ stock value, with shares rising by 1.45% to 673.95 per share on Friday.

**Financial Strategy and Government Support**

The UK government has confirmed that JLR will repay the £1.5 billion loan over a five-year period. The funds were arranged through a commercial bank and are secured by UK Export Finance. This strategic financial support forms part of broader efforts to assist JLR’s suppliers, many of whom have faced operational disruptions and delayed payments due to the cyberattack.

The government-backed loan and the gradual reopening of JLR’s operations are critical steps toward stabilizing the firm and mitigating the fallout from one of the most challenging incidents in its recent history.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/tata-motors-shares-jump-as-jlr-secures-2b-government-loan/story

Jaguar Land Rover in IT systems boast – just months before hack

Jaguar Land Rover claimed the security of its computer systems was “transformed” and on a “positive trajectory” just months before a devastating cyberattack crippled Britain’s biggest carmaker, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The firm is now facing billions of pounds in losses after hackers broke into its IT network at the end of August. The breach forced Jaguar Land Rover to shut its three factories located in Solihull and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands, and Halewood in Merseyside. These sites are expected to remain closed until at least Wednesday, but there are fears the production shutdown could last much longer, increasing pressure on Jaguar Land Rover’s extensive network of suppliers.

Ministers have been scrambling over the weekend to pull together a rescue package. However, the support plan stops short of a Covid-style furlough scheme designed to pay workers to stay at home.

Jaguar Land Rover’s three factories produce about 1,000 cars a day and directly employ 30,000 people. Additionally, another 200,000 workers in the just-in-time supply chain depend on the carmaker for their jobs.

Experts estimate that Jaguar Land Rover is burning through up to £1 billion in cash every month due to the disruption. Compounding the crisis, the firm had not taken out cyber insurance to protect itself from hacker attacks, leaving it liable for all losses and associated costs stemming from the attack.

Despite the recent attack, the Indian-owned company had been increasingly confident about its cybersecurity. Its latest accounts, signed off in May, painted an improving picture of its information security systems, describing them as being on a “positive trajectory.”

“We are on the right path with the necessary momentum and investment to systematically reduce risks while enhancing cyber readiness and resilience,” stated the principal risks section of the report. It also added, “IT operations are being transformed.”

Jaguar Land Rover’s IT services are outsourced under an £800 million, five-year deal to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which, like Jaguar Land Rover, is part of the Tata business empire. TCS also provides IT services to Marks & Spencer and the Co-op, two retailers that were hit by costly cyber attacks earlier this year, each losing hundreds of millions of pounds.

Financially, Jaguar Land Rover is highly profitable with deep pockets. The company made £2.5 billion in pre-tax profit last year and, as of the end of June, had £5 billion in liquidity — comprising £3.3 billion in cash and a £1.7 billion loan facility.

“This is a pretty solid liquidity position,” said David Bailey, professor of business economics at Birmingham Business School. “JLR will get through this.”

However, Bailey warned that without Tata’s continued support, Jaguar Land Rover could have as little as three to four months left before running out of cash if the disruption continues. The company has already manually paid £300 million to suppliers in recent days to keep them operational.

“JLR is facing its biggest crisis ever and is doing its bit to keep suppliers going,” Bailey said.

Tata Consultancy Services told MPs this week that it was “premature to provide a definitive” assessment of the financial impact but added that the company was in a “good position” to secure extra borrowing if needed.

Hopes that the worst of the cyberattack may be behind them were raised last week when Jaguar Land Rover announced that some of its systems were back online. The company said it was “working to clear a backlog of payments” to suppliers as it increased its processing capacity for invoicing.

Bailey added, “Tata Consultancy Services clearly has some very big questions to answer as to how JLR was left so vulnerable. This has become the biggest crisis in JLR’s history and has required a massive effort by all involved at the firm to get through this. There needs to be a deep-dive, root-cause analysis of how this happened and how to avoid it in the future.”

Tata Consultancy Services was contacted for comment.

While car production remains on hold, a spokesperson for Jaguar Land Rover said:
“Our teams are working around the clock, alongside cybersecurity specialists, the National Cyber Security Centre and law enforcement to investigate the cyber incident. The foundational work of our recovery programme is firmly under way and we thank everyone connected with JLR for their continued support and patience.”
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-15139497/Jaguar-Land-Rover-systems-boast-just-months-hack.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

WATCH: New footage of Red Bull F1 star Max Verstappen driving at Nordschleife goes viral

Max Verstappen is only a few hours away from his GT3 race debut at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Ahead of Saturday’s four-hour event, new practice footage of the Red Bull star driving the Ferrari 296 GT3 has gone viral, generating hype among fans for his latest challenge.

The Dutchman will race in the No. 33 Ferrari for Emil Frey Racing, partnering with 22-year-old Brit Chris Lulham. The pair will drive the Verstappen.com Racing and Red Bull-sponsored car in the ninth round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie.

At 20.832 km long and packed with 73 turns, the Nordschleife is known for punishing even seasoned endurance drivers. While Max Verstappen has logged countless virtual miles with his Redline sim racing team, this weekend marks the real challenge.

For the reigning F1 champion, it is another chance to prove his passion for racing goes well beyond the Grand Prix grid. Fans will be eagerly watching as Verstappen takes on one of the most demanding circuits in the world in his GT3 debut.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-watch-new-footage-red-bull-f1-star-max-verstappen-driving-nordschleife-goes-viral

Sapura Industrial Berhad and APU partner to advance EV, hybrid and smart manufacturing talent in Malaysia

**MoU Paves the Way for Joint Initiatives to Boost Education, Training & Innovation**

*Partnership focuses on advancing EV & hybrid vehicle maintenance, servicing & training*

Sapura Industrial Berhad (SIB), one of Malaysia’s leading automotive component manufacturers with decades of industry experience, and Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Malaysia’s premier digital technology institution, have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in electric and hybrid vehicle technology and smart manufacturing.

In a joint statement, both parties noted that the MoU paves the way for joint initiatives designed to enhance education, training, and innovation, supporting Malaysia’s transition towards a knowledge-driven, technology-enabled economy. A key focus of the partnership is advancing EV and hybrid vehicle maintenance, servicing, and training.

SIB, through its subsidiary MILI EV Hybrid—a leading EV/hybrid service and training centre in Malaysia—will collaborate with APU to integrate specialised training and certification programmes into APU’s engineering curriculum.

### Planned Initiatives Include:
– Establishing a hybrid/EV training laboratory at APU’s campus
– Embedding EV/hybrid training certification programmes for students
– Co-developing modules to upskill and reskill external industry professionals
– Leveraging MILI EV Hybrid’s expertise to provide real-world training and exposure

These measures aim to ensure that APU students gain hands-on, practical experience in sustainable automotive systems, while industry players benefit from a future-ready talent pipeline.

The MoU was signed by Mariam Parineh, Executive Vice Chairman of SIB, and Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor of APU. The signing was witnessed by Ir. Shamsuddin Abdul Kadir, Founder and Advisor of SIB, and Parmjit Singh, CEO of APU.

### Highlighting Advanced Industry Solutions

The partnership also highlights SIB’s proprietary IRIS system—an advanced Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) solution that captures real-time machine data, calculates overall equipment effectiveness, and enables data-driven decision-making.

APU students will benefit from live demonstrations, site visits to SIB’s facilities, and co-developed training programmes covering:
– IoT integration and smart factory solutions
– Real-time data analytics and dashboarding
– Downtime tracking and performance optimisation

By combining SIB’s industrial expertise with APU’s strong academic foundation, the partnership ensures graduates are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical, industry-relevant skills.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to nurturing talent, driving sustainability, and strengthening Malaysia’s leadership in high-technology industries.

### Leadership Perspectives

Ir. Shamsuddin Abdul Kadir shared,
*“I have always believed that true impactful learning lies at the intersection of academia and practical application. Today, I am proud to witness the collaboration between the automotive manufacturing company I founded 40 years ago and the education institution I helped establish, as APIIT has evolved into one of Malaysia’s top universities. Together, SIB and APU are shaping a new generation of Malaysia’s innovative leaders.”*

Parmjit Singh added,
*“At APU, we constantly seek to enrich the learning experience of our students by aligning academic knowledge with practical, industry-driven applications. Partnering with Sapura Industrial Berhad exemplifies how education and industry can come together to create a meaningful impact. Our students will not only learn about the latest technologies but also engage with real-world challenges, preparing them to be highly employable, competent and future-proof professionals.”*

### Duration and Commitment

The MoU will remain in effect for an initial period of five years, with automatic renewal for successive terms. Both SIB and APU are committed to ensuring the successful implementation of initiatives under this collaboration, anchored in mutual benefit, trust, and innovation.
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/sapura-industrial-berhad-and-apu-partner-advance-ev-hybrid-and-smart-manufacturing

Former F1 champion insists Oscar Piastri to be “more afraid” of Max Verstappen than McLaren teammate Lando Norris

Max Verstappen cut the gap in the drivers’ championship with a dominant pole-to-win performance in Baku, while title leader Oscar Piastri suffered his first DNF of the season on the opening lap. The result tightened the standings and prompted former world champion Jacques Villeneuve to sound a warning to Piastri: he should worry more about Verstappen than Lando Norris.

Norris could only manage seventh and failed to capitalize on his teammate’s trouble. His struggles began on Saturday in a chaotic qualifying session that produced six red flags. After brushing the wall in Sector 2, he lost rhythm and settled for seventh on the grid, leaving him stuck in the midfield for much of the race on Sunday.

Villeneuve was blunt in his assessment after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. “At worst, Norris should have finished second. An anonymous race for him. If I were Piastri, I’d be more afraid of Verstappen than of Norris,” he said. Villeneuve’s point was clear: after a messy qualifying in Baku and a tricky race weekend, Max Verstappen’s form is the bigger threat.

The Red Bull driver took pole and led every lap in Baku, converting a tricky qualifying into a controlled race win, following the same dominant performance last time out at Monza.

Oscar Piastri’s weekend, however, fell apart after a Q3 crash forced overnight repairs. Then came a jump-start on the grid, an anti-stall sequence, and a late lock-up into Turn 5 that left him in the wall on lap one and out of the race.

Norris started P7 after a disrupted qualifying and spent much of the race stuck behind Yuki Tsunoda in a DRS train, finishing seventh.

### Championship Standings Tighten

The title fight is now finely poised. Piastri leads with 324 points, Norris trails with 299, and Verstappen has climbed to 255. Villeneuve’s point remains clear: Verstappen has the momentum and pace to turn tricky weekends into maximum points, making him the bigger late-season threat—even if Norris is in a superior car.

—

### Why Max Verstappen Is Unlikely to Win the 2025 Drivers’ Title

With seven rounds left, the maximum points haul available to a driver is 199 points: 25 points from seven Grands Prix and 24 points from three sprint events. Verstappen is currently 69 points behind Piastri.

Even if the Dutchman won all remaining events, his total would reach 454 points. Should Piastri finish third in each race, he would end on 447 points—a narrow margin but enough to hold the crown.

The last time a similar comeback occurred was in 2007, when Kimi Räikkönen overcame a 16-point gap to rookie Lewis Hamilton in the final five races. While today’s points system offers larger totals, the principle remains—the deficit requires relentless wins and rivals’ faltering.

—

### McLaren’s Outlook and the Season Ahead

McLaren principal Andrea Stella has acknowledged the shift in momentum. While Red Bull’s upgrades in Monza and Baku helped Verstappen, the calendar still favors the papaya cars. Tracks like Singapore, Qatar, and Mexico—known for high downforce—have benefitted McLaren all year.

Norris, meanwhile, stands to benefit if Piastri falters again. His consistency throughout the year and strong qualifying form at technical tracks make him the likelier challenger in the season run-in.

This confidence is shared within McLaren, where the team believes the MCL39’s season-long pace will prevail.

Piastri himself brushed aside concerns after Baku over Verstappen’s resurgence. He still leads the championship and has time to steady himself before the final push.

—

### Conclusion

For now, Max Verstappen’s back-to-back poles and wins have sharpened the title fight and forced McLaren to confront fresh pressure. But unless the papaya team unravels, the numbers and upcoming circuits suggest that a late title swing is more unlikely than inevitable.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-former-f1-champion-insists-oscar-piastri-more-afraid-max-verstappen-mclaren-teammate-lando-norris