F1 LIVE | Stella Denies Red Bull Copied McLaren; Hulkenberg Hails Verstappen as F1's 'Boss'

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has refuted claims that Red Bull copied McLaren's car design amidst the Austrian team's recent resurgence in form. Meanwhile, Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg has lauded Max Verstappen as "the boss ruling everyone at the moment" following his dominant performance at the United States Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

• The debate over Red Bull's sudden return to form after a period of struggle raises questions about the nature of F1 car development and potential technical convergence among top teams.
• Verstappen's continued dominance, even when his team faced challenges, reinforces his status as a generational talent and a formidable championship contender.

The Details:

• Stella on Red Bull's Design: Speaking during the United States Grand Prix, Andrea Stella stated that under current technical regulations, there's little to be gained from directly copying a component from another car and expecting it to work.
• Red Bull's Internal Progress: Stella attributes Red Bull's improved performance to internal progress, particularly in aerodynamics. He speculated that Red Bull might have "fixed some potential aerodynamic issues" or better understood how to run their cars at optimal ride heights.
• Upgrades Delivering Results: Stella highlighted Red Bull's recent upgrades, including a new floor in Monza and a front wing in Singapore, as clear contributors to their upturn in performance.
• Verstappen's Dominance: Nico Hulkenberg praised Max Verstappen's "incredible" class and consistency, calling him "the boss ruling everyone at the moment" after a flawless weekend at COTA.
  • Verstappen secured pole position, won the Sprint race, and took victory in the Grand Prix, reducing his championship deficit to 40 points with five rounds remaining.
• Widespread Praise for Verstappen: Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also acknowledged Verstappen's "incredible" form since the summer break, noting that both the driver and Red Bull have "turned a corner." F1 analyst Peter Windsor named Verstappen his "driver of the weekend."

The Big Picture:

Red Bull's mid-season turnaround and Max Verstappen's relentless performance are setting the stage for an intense conclusion to the F1 season. While McLaren remains confident in their championship aspirations, the resurgence of Red Bull and their star driver adds a fascinating dynamic to the title fight.

What's next:

With five rounds left, the focus will be on whether Red Bull and Verstappen can sustain their momentum and if McLaren can counter their resurgence. The ongoing technical developments and the battle for aerodynamic supremacy will be crucial in determining the outcome of the Drivers' and Constructors' championships.