Can Max Verstappen Still Win the F1 Title This Year?

Max Verstappen currently trails championship leader Lando Norris by 36 points with four races remaining, having significantly closed a 104-point gap since the Dutch Grand Prix. Despite a third-place finish in Mexico City where Norris dominated, the championship remains an open contest with two sprint weekends left.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's incredible recovery from a substantial deficit highlights his and Red Bull's formidable pace, turning what seemed like a comfortable lead for Norris into a nail-biting title fight. With only four rounds remaining, every point is critical, and the inclusion of sprint races in Brazil and Qatar adds another layer of strategic complexity and potential point swings.

The big picture:

After a challenging mid-season, Verstappen has dramatically clawed back points, demonstrating the potent combination of his driving skill and Red Bull's development. McLaren, under Lando Norris, has shown exceptional form, taking the championship lead for the first time since April, indicating a genuine threat to Red Bull's recent dominance. The narrative of the season has shifted from Red Bull's outright superiority to a thrilling inter-team battle.

The details:

• Current Standings: Max Verstappen is 36 points behind Lando Norris.
• Recent Form: Verstappen has cut a 104-point deficit since the Dutch Grand Prix, winning three of the last four races before Mexico.
• Mexico City Grand Prix: Norris dominated to take the championship lead, while Verstappen finished third.
• Remaining Races: The final four rounds are Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
• Sprint Weekends: Brazil and Qatar will feature sprint races, offering additional points and potential for big swings in the championship battle.

What's next:

The championship battle is set to go down to the wire. McLaren's ability to maintain its recent momentum and Norris's consistency will be crucial in fending off Verstappen's charge. Meanwhile, Red Bull will be pushing hard to maximize points in every session, especially during the high-stakes sprint weekends. The remaining tracks present diverse challenges, meaning car performance and driver adaptability will be key factors in who ultimately claims the 2024 F1 Drivers' Championship.