Max Verstappen handed fan confidence over fifth F1 title bid

A significant majority of F1 fans believe Max Verstappen is still a major threat in the title fight - but many have stated he needs McLaren to hit trouble in order to come out on top.

Verstappen currently sits third in the drivers' championship, 36 points down on leader Lando Norris.

The Dutchman has dramatically reduced the deficit over the last handful of races, having once been 104 points behind after the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August.

With four rounds remaining in the campaign, time is running out for Verstappen to further close the gap to Norris and Oscar Piastri, who are separated at the top of the table by just a single point.

RacingNews365 asked you, the fans, if you believe Verstappen can still come out on top at the end of the year.

Over 50 per cent of voters claim that he can do so - but will need the McLaren drivers to run into issues to have a chance. These could come in the form of mechanical issues like what Norris suffered in Zandvoort, or on-track collisions - similar to the start of the sprint race in the USA when both McLarens were eliminated.

Another 33 per cent of fans believe Verstappen has the pace to catch and pass both McLaren drivers by the end of the year without the Woking-based squad running into unforeseen issues.

15 per cent of fans believe Verstappen's gap to the lead is too big to overcome and do not see a fifth title on the cards for the 28-year-old.

See the full result of the poll below!