McLaren CEO Zak Brown Acknowledges Max Verstappen as F1 Title Threat

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has firmly stated that Max Verstappen remains a strong contender for his fifth-consecutive F1 drivers' championship, despite McLaren's strong season. While Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris initially seemed to dominate the title fight, Verstappen's recent surge has significantly narrowed the points gap, intensifying the battle as the season heads into its final rounds.

Why it matters:

Zak Brown's acknowledgment of Verstappen's threat highlights the mounting pressure in the F1 drivers' championship. With six rounds and three sprint races remaining, the title fight is far from over, potentially leading to a thrilling conclusion that could see Verstappen stage a remarkable comeback against McLaren's strong duo.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Resurgence: Max Verstappen has clawed his way back into contention with two victories and a second-place finish in the last three rounds. This run has reduced Piastri's lead over the four-time champion from 104 points to 63.
• Brown's Stance: Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Brown conceded that while he would prefer an all-McLaren title fight, Verstappen is "still very much in the game." He emphasized the team's focus and humility, stating they will "keep doing what we're doing."
• Constructors' Success: McLaren secured their second consecutive F1 constructors' crown at the Singapore Grand Prix, a feat not achieved by the Woking-based squad since 1991.
• No Change in Strategy: Despite the constructors' title, Brown confirmed that McLaren's strategy will not change, nor will their approach to managing Piastri and Norris under their "papaya rules." The team will approach the remaining weekends in the same consistent manner.

The big picture:

The looming 2026 F1 regulation changes add another layer of complexity to the current title fight. Brown is acutely aware of the "tougher" challenges next season will bring, particularly with significant shifts in both power units and chassis designs. This makes securing a drivers' championship now even more critical before the playing field is reset.

What's next:

McLaren is determined to create a "dynasty" and leave a legacy, but Brown emphasizes a race-by-race focus, echoing Team Principal Andrea Stella's philosophy. The team recognizes the "lot of risk and a lot of opportunity" presented by the 2026 regulations, which represent one of the biggest rule changes in F1 history. Despite these future uncertainties, McLaren's immediate goal remains clear: "win races and win championships," driven by an insatiable hunger.