Brundle Blames Piastri for McLaren Sprint Crash; Marko Hints at Red Bull Upgrade Amidst Title Fight

Former F1 driver and Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle has predominantly attributed blame to Oscar Piastri for the opening-lap collision with Lando Norris during the United States GP Sprint, an incident that eliminated both McLaren drivers. Meanwhile, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko hinted at a forthcoming upgrade, suggesting the team has 'something up its sleeve' as Max Verstappen re-enters the title fight after securing three wins in the last four Grands Prix.

Why it matters:

McLaren's double retirement in the Sprint significantly impacted their championship aspirations, especially as rivals like Max Verstappen capitalized on the incident. For Red Bull, the prospect of a late-season upgrade could be a decisive factor in what is shaping up to be a tight championship battle, with Verstappen showing dominant form.

The details:

• Piastri-Norris Collision: Martin Brundle, in his Sky Sports column, stated that while the crash at Turn 1 was unfortunate, Piastri was 'predominantly to blame'.
  • Brundle highlighted the unique characteristics of the Circuit of the Americas' Turn 1: it rises steeply by 40 meters, is wide at the entry but narrows significantly at the apex and exit. This design 'invites and promotes contact,' particularly during a close start.
  • The incident occurred as both McLaren drivers made contact on the opening lap, forcing them out of the Sprint race.
• Verstappen's Advantage: The McLaren incident opened the door for Max Verstappen to take victory in the Sprint, further bolstering his position in the title race.
• Red Bull's Hidden Advantage: Red Bull's top advisor, Helmut Marko, revealed to OE24 that the team 'still has something up its sleeve' in terms of potential upgrades, though he did not specify when these would be introduced.
  • This hint comes as Red Bull continues to apply pressure on McLaren, having won three of the last four Grands Prix with Verstappen.
  • Red Bull was initially slower than McLaren in the early stages of the season but has since found significant pace.
• Verstappen's Stronghold: The next race is at Mexico's Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, a track where Verstappen has an exceptional record, having won there a record five times.

The big picture:

The F1 championship battle is intensifying with only five rounds remaining. McLaren's recent struggles, highlighted by the Sprint crash, contrast with Red Bull's resurgence and the promise of further development. Verstappen's consistent performance and his team's strategic announcements are setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the season. The dynamics between team aggression and championship pressure are at an all-time high.

What's next:

The upcoming Mexican Grand Prix will be a crucial test for both teams. McLaren will be looking to bounce back from their Sprint disappointment, while Red Bull aims to leverage Verstappen's track record in Mexico and any potential upgrades to further solidify their championship challenge. The unfolding battle for supremacy promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.