McLaren on High Alert: Verstappen's Title Threat Looms Ahead of Brazil GP

Despite a significant points deficit earlier in the season, Max Verstappen has slashed the gap to championship leaders Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert warns McLaren to not underestimate Verstappen's ability to spring a surprise, emphasizing his 'sheer brilliance' and Red Bull's strategic prowess as the title fight heats up with four races remaining.

Why it matters:

After being over 100 points behind following the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen's resurgence has injected fresh tension into the championship battle. His ability to close such a large gap highlights his relentless pursuit and the potential for a dramatic late-season twist, keeping both McLaren drivers and their team on edge.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Comeback: Max Verstappen has reduced his championship deficit to just 36 points with four race weekends left, a remarkable turnaround from being more than 100 points down after the Dutch Grand Prix.
• Improved Red Bull: This resurgence coincides with significant improvements to the Red Bull RB21, allowing Verstappen to secure multiple victories and podiums.
• McLaren's Stance: McLaren, with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri leading the championship, is reportedly not intervening to favor one driver over the other, ensuring a fair fight within the team.
• Johnny Herbert's Warning: Three-time Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert believes it would be foolish to rule Verstappen out of the title fight, citing his 'sheer brilliance' and unique ability to extract extra performance from his car.
• Strategic Risk-Taking: Red Bull, under the guidance of strategists like Hannah Schmitz, has shown a willingness to employ aggressive strategies, as seen in Mexico where Verstappen's risky medium-soft tire choice nearly paid off, despite a late Virtual Safety Car thwarting a potential second-place finish.

Between the Lines:

Herbert's comments underscore a pervasive sentiment within F1: never count out Max Verstappen. His capacity to deliver 'unbelievable qualifying laps' and 'dominate' races, even when the car isn't perfectly optimized, sets him apart. This mental strength and Red Bull's strategic daring mean McLaren cannot afford any complacency, even with a strong car and two leading drivers.

What's Next:

The championship battle now shifts to the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Verstappen will aim to further close the gap. McLaren will need to maintain their strong form and flawless execution to fend off the charging Red Bull driver, who has consistently shown he can 'dig that little bit deeper and spring a surprise' when it matters most.