F1 Today: Stella Confident in McLaren Amidst Verstappen's Charge; Hulkenberg Praises 'Boss' Verstappen

Andrea Stella, McLaren's Team Principal, remains resolute in his belief that McLaren controls the championship fight despite Max Verstappen's recent surge. Following Lando Norris's strong performance in Austin, where he showed race-winning pace, Stella emphasized that the team's destiny is in its own hands.

Why it matters:

• McLaren's consistent performance throughout the season has put them in a strong championship position, but Verstappen's recent dominance poses a significant threat.
• The team's ability to maintain their lead and execute flawlessly will determine the outcome of a tightly contested championship battle.
• This championship fight showcases a thrilling dynamic between an established dominant force (Verstappen/Red Bull) and an emerging challenger (McLaren).

The Details:

• Norris's Austin Performance: Lando Norris demonstrated race-winning pace in Austin, with Andrea Stella stating, "Without having to fight with Charles, I think Lando had the pace to win the race today."
• Championship Standings: Despite Red Bull closing the gap, Norris still holds a 26-point lead over Verstappen. However, Oscar Piastri's lead has shrunk by 64 points over the last four rounds, highlighting Red Bull's momentum.
• Stella's Confidence: Stella insists McLaren's performance in recent races was "reassuring," proving their car can match Verstappen on pure pace.
• Execution is Key: The McLaren boss stressed that the title's outcome rests firmly on McLaren's execution, acknowledging that "When Max has the material to win, he becomes a serious candidate. But the outcome of this season is in our hands."
• Driver Responsibility: Stella subtly warned that the responsibility now lies with the drivers, implying that recent pace should have translated into stronger results.

Between the lines:

While Stella publicly projects confidence, his remarks about driver responsibility hint at internal pressure to maximize every opportunity. The championship narrative is shifting, with Verstappen's relentless pursuit putting McLaren's resilience to the ultimate test. The 'in our hands' statement could be a rallying cry as much as a declaration of control, pushing the team to avoid any missteps that could hand the advantage to Red Bull.

The big picture:

Nico Hulkenberg has lauded Max Verstappen as "the boss ruling everyone at the moment" after the Dutchman's dominant display at the United States Grand Prix. Speaking to Viaplay, the Haas driver praised Verstappen's "simply incredible" resurgence, describing him as a "four-time world champion, that he's the boss ruling everyone at the moment."

• Verstappen's Dominance: Verstappen's performance at COTA, securing pole, Sprint, and Grand Prix wins, reduced his deficit to 40 points with five races remaining, demonstrating his formidable form.
• Wolff's Acknowledgment: Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff echoed the praise, admitting to GPblog that Verstappen's current level is "incredible" and that both driver and team have "turned a corner" since the summer break.
• Unmatched Form: Wolff acknowledged the difficulty of any competitor matching the Red Bull driver's current form.

What's next:

The championship battle is set to intensify over the remaining five races. McLaren's ability to maintain its performance, coupled with flawless execution from its drivers, will be crucial in fending off Verstappen's charge. The coming races will reveal whether McLaren can convert its perceived pace into consistent victories and secure the title, or if Verstappen's 'boss' status will prevail.