By Michael Doyle

Copyright abc

In the world of motorsport, there does not seem to be a limit to what Max Verstappen can accomplish.

While many drivers would be focusing their time and energy on the next Formula 1 grand prix weekend, Verstappen was driving in a completely different series.

Verstappen made his debut in the Nürburgring Endurance Series last weekend, competing in a four-hour race at the world-famous Nordschleife layout — known as the Green Hell.

The Dutchman, partnered with Chris Lulham and driving a Ferrari 296 entered by Emil Frey Racing, won on debut in the GT3 series.

It adds another accolade to his growing list of accomplishments, which includes the previous four World Drivers’ Championships.

His quest to become the second driver in F1 history to win five consecutive championships appeared over at the conclusion of the Dutch Grand Prix, three rounds ago.

Verstappen was 104 points behind Australian Oscar Piastri, with the McLaren beast dominating the field.

But with dominant victories in Italy (Monza) then Azerbaijan, Verstappen has muscled his way back into the title picture.

“The last two races have been great for the team,” he said.

“We have made really strong progress, found a positive set-up with the car and are heading in the right direction.”

Verstappen is now 69 points behind championship leader Piastri, and 44 points adrift of Lando Norris.

There are seven grands prix and three sprint races left in the 2025 championship, with a maximum of 199 points to be scored.

Verstappen’s chances of clawing back the deficit to both McLarens are daunting and hard to imagine, but it is not impossible.

This weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix could decide whether Verstappen’s improbable title charge is achievable.

Verstappen is third on the all-time list of grand prix wins with 67, and he has done that at 26 different circuits.

But he has never won in Singapore.

The original night race is the only grand prix on the 2025 calendar that has not been won by the Dutchman.

He has finished second twice, including last year. It is a track where he has never secured pole position, and he is most remembered for a wild crash to begin the race in 2017.

Red Bull has not had a great deal of success at Marina Bay in recent times, with just one win since 2013.

“It is quite a physically demanding track for all drivers and in this race, it is about really getting comfortable with the uncomfortable,” Verstappen said.

“It is a cool street circuit to drive, but of course, I have never won there, so you could say there is unfinished business.

“We need a strong team performance, so I am looking forward to what the week brings.”

Singapore requires a high downforce set-up, which has previously been a weakness for Red Bull, while the high temperatures expected this weekend should favour McLaren, based on previously hot grands prix.

Piastri said this week that “on paper,” McLaren is expected to have a strong weekend.

But if Verstappen can conquer Marina Bay, it could turn what was an all-McLaren battle into a three-driver shootout for the world title.

Following his recent victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Verstappen was measured on his genuine chances of clawing back the gap to Piastri and Norris.

“Basically, everything needs to go perfectly from my side, and then a bit of luck from their side, I need as well, so it’s still very tough,” he told Sky Sports F1.

Speaking further on the topic during a press conference in Baku, the Dutchman said the title fight was not something he was worrying about, instead focusing on maximising each race weekend.

“I personally don’t think about it,” Verstappen said in Baku.

“I just go race by race, what I have been doing basically the whole season — just trying to do the best we can, try to score the most points that we can.

“And then after Abu Dhabi, we’ll know.”

ABC Sport will have a live blog of the F1 Singapore Grand Prix from 9pm AEDT on Sunday, October 5.