'Verstappen is the one maximising the intra-McLaren battle, and he is ready to pounce'

14:04, 26 Apr

byOlly Darcy

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok has changed his title-winning prediction once again, now "admitting" he "got it wrong" as he backs Oscar Piastri for glory, but still sees Max Verstappen "ready to pounce".

It has been an impressive start to the 2025 season for Piastri, with the Australian taking three wins from five races to open his account, giving himself 99 points and a ten-point lead over his teammate Lando Norris.

Conversely, Norris, who came in as many people's choice for the title this campaign after his battle with Verstappen in 2024, has seen many mistakes hamper his start to the season, especially in qualifying sessions.

McLaren have dominated the start of the season with Piastri and Norris, taking four out of five wins to jump to 188 points, 77 clear of Mercedes in P2

Chandhok changing his tune in the title battle

As a result, there have been some changes in predictions from people regarding the chapionship winner this season, and Chandhok is one of them.

"I've declared myself a flip-flopper in this title battle, and I am now backing Oscar as a favourite. I'm admitting I got it wrong," the Indian said in Sky Sport's The F1 Show podcast.

"But you go based on form and momentum. Lando, there was so much momentum through last year, and I thought he was going to carry that through. But five races into the season, six including the sprint, and Oscar is the form man.

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"He has won 60% of the Grand Prix this year. Lando has made a mistake in four of the six qualifying sessions so far this season, including the sprint race in China. So, I have to say, on current form, I am flipping and going back to my original prediction that Oscar is now the favourite," continued the 41-year-old, impressed with the Australian's start to the season.

Verstappen still "looming large" in the title battle

However, despite McLaren's imperious pace and dominating form to start the season, Verstappen is still right up close to the two papaya-coloured cars in the standings, despite challenging with his RB21.

The Dutchman took a fine win at the Japanese Grand Prix, and thanks to three more podiums to start the season, he sits in P3, just two points off Norris in seconds and 12 off Piastri.

Verstappen's five-second penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix meant he could not fight back and take his second win in 2025

"Isn't it great as viewers that we are having to go back and forth?" continued an excited Chandhok. "We are going to have the intra-McLaren battle, there are going to be weekends were Lando comes back and Oscar has a wobble. That's the nature of it.

"But we'll get this battle with Max Verstappen looming large. He is there, ready to pounce. He is the one maximising it at the Red Bull camp. He is 13 points away from taking first place. He is not far away," concluded the Sky Sports pundit.