Brundle Rules Out Verstappen for Title, Names New McLaren Frontrunner

Legendary F1 commentator Martin Brundle believes the 2024 Formula 1 title race will now be decided between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, effectively ruling out defending champion Max Verstappen. Norris currently leads the championship by a single point over Piastri after the Mexico City Grand Prix, with Verstappen trailing by 36 points.

Why it matters:

Martin Brundle's strong assertion signals a significant shift in the championship narrative, moving away from Verstappen's long-standing dominance. If McLaren can maintain their current form and avoid internal mishaps, this season could culminate in a thrilling inter-team battle, reminiscent of classic F1 rivalries.

The Details:

• Championship Standings Shift: Lando Norris has taken the lead in the F1 drivers' standings, now one point ahead of Oscar Piastri. Max Verstappen is 36 points behind Norris.
• Brundle's Prediction: Brundle stated on Sky Sports' 'The F1 Show' podcast, "I believe it's between the two McLaren drivers, unless they step on their own tails and hand it to Max."
• Verstappen's Challenge: Brundle believes Verstappen "has a lot to do unless he has a few weekends like Austin," and expects McLaren to be faster in at least two of the remaining four races.
• McLaren's 'Ace' Card: Brundle reiterated his previous stance, highlighting McLaren's advantage of having two drivers in contention. This allows them to consistently score big points, whereas Verstappen often lacks a 'rear gunner' to support his championship bid.
• Competitor Points: Ferrari and Mercedes are also occasionally snatching top-three points, further complicating Verstappen's task of accumulating a significant lead.

What's next:

Brundle expects McLaren to have strong performances in upcoming races, particularly in Qatar and potentially Abu Dhabi. He believes Norris is well-positioned to clinch the title, provided Piastri can return to his earlier season form and the McLaren team avoids self-inflicted errors.

• The season continues in two weeks at Interlagos, a track where Verstappen secured a dominant victory last year, offering him a chance to close the gap.
• For Verstappen to remain in contention, Brundle estimates he needs to consistently score an additional 12 to 15 points per weekend to offset McLaren's expected strength in certain races.
• The dynamic between Norris and Piastri will be crucial. If they can manage their rivalry effectively without hindering the team's overall performance, McLaren's 'ace' card could indeed prove decisive.