Chandhok: Resurgent Verstappen and Red Bull 'Absolutely Back' in Title Hunt

Max Verstappen and Red Bull are "absolutely back" in contention for the F1 title, according to former F1 driver and analyst Karun Chandhok. This declaration comes after Verstappen secured three wins in the last four races, significantly narrowing the championship gap to just 40 points with five Grands Prix remaining.

Why it matters:

After a mid-season slump that saw Verstappen trailing by 104 points, Red Bull's sudden return to dominant form dramatically reignites the championship battle. This resurgence not only makes for a thrilling end to the season but also challenges the narrative that other teams were consistently closing the performance gap.

The details:

• Dramatic Turnaround: Verstappen was 104 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri after the Dutch Grand Prix. Now, with recent victories, the deficit has been cut to a mere 40 points.
• Critical Austin Performance: Chandhok highlighted the United States Grand Prix as pivotal, stating, "This was the first normal track we've been to since Zandvoort, and in Zandvoort, the McLaren was clearly ahead. That was not the case here."
  • He noted Red Bull's superior pace in both sprint qualifying and main qualifying in Austin, dispelling earlier assumptions that other teams hadn't optimized their cars.
• Dispelling Track-Specific Theories: Previous wins at Monza (low downforce) and Baku were attributed to specific track characteristics. However, the strong showing on a 'normal' track like Austin confirms a broader performance improvement.

Between the lines:

Chandhok's analysis suggests that Red Bull's recent string of victories is not merely circumstantial but indicative of a genuine, sustained return to their top form. This shift in momentum has caught many in the paddock by surprise, given the earlier struggles.

What's next:

With five races remaining, the championship is wide open. The renewed competitiveness of Red Bull and Verstappen sets the stage for a tense and unpredictable conclusion to the season. While former teammate Daniel Ricciardo has praised Verstappen's "ridiculous" comeback, Verstappen himself remains reserved, focusing on one race at a time, starting with the Mexico City Grand Prix.