Johnny Herbert believes Max Verstappen is still in the hunt for a fifth consecutive drivers’ crown after a powerful four-race surge — two second places and two wins — vaulted the Red Bull driver back into contention against McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Momentum restored, harmony found
Herbert points to a renewed "harmony" between Verstappen and the RB21, aided by a floor upgrade introduced at Monza and a broader competitive upswing under team leadership that has steadied Red Bull’s season. The Dutchman trails Piastri by 63 points with six grands prix and three sprints remaining — a tall order, but not impossible.
What Verstappen needs from here
- McLaren infighting or offset: Norris and Piastri taking points from each other would open the door.
- Consistency: Keep banking podiums while pouncing on strategic and reliability swings.
- Opportunity maximization: Convert any McLaren missteps immediately.
If Verstappen were to match Michael Schumacher’s streak of five titles in a row, Herbert argues, it would rank among F1’s great comebacks given how the season once looked destined for a "Papaya 1–2, full stop." Count him out at your peril.
