McLaren Responds to Verstappen Threat, Norris' 'Super Strength' Highlighted

McLaren leadership, including Zak Brown and Andrea Stella, has addressed the growing title threat from Max Verstappen, even as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri hold the top two spots heading into the final four races. While acknowledging Verstappen's closing gap, McLaren remains focused on securing their own championship.

Why it matters:

McLaren is in a strong position to win their first Drivers' Championship since 2008, but Max Verstappen's recent surge has put pressure on the Woking-based team. Their response to this threat and their handling of their two championship-contending drivers will be crucial in the final stretch of the season. The dynamics of a multi-driver title fight within the same team, particularly after the lessons of the 2007 season, add another layer of intrigue.

The Details:

• McLaren's Stance on Verstappen: Both Zak Brown, McLaren CEO, and Andrea Stella, Team Principal, stated they would congratulate Max Verstappen if he manages to overturn the 36-point deficit to Lando Norris. However, their primary goal remains securing the title for one of their drivers.
• Lessons from 2007: Brown and Stella referenced the 2007 season, where Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, both McLaren drivers, tied on points but lost the title to Kimi Räikkönen. McLaren is prioritizing winning the championship over favoring one driver, aiming to 'play offense, not defense' to avoid beating themselves.
• Norris' 'Super Strength': 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve praised Lando Norris' ability to be 'very vocal about his mistakes,' calling it a 'super strength.' Villeneuve drew a comparison to Kimi Räikkönen, noting that both drivers possess a strong internal drive for success, even if expressed differently.
• Ecclestone on Hamilton to Ferrari: Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone dismissed Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari as a 'financial marketing project,' suggesting the team lacks a decisive leader. He believes Hamilton is realizing his championship aspirations at Ferrari are fading.
• Perez's Take on McLaren: Sergio Perez, soon to join Cadillac, commented that McLaren's 'messing around' has allowed Max Verstappen a 'real chance' to turn the title battle in his favor.
• F1's First 'Season Ticket': Formula 1 and Heineken announced an extended partnership, marking the occasion by presenting the sport's first-ever season ticket to British fan Brandon Burgess. This ticket grants him and a guest access to all 24 Grands Prix, including travel and accommodation.

What's next:

The F1 season is heading into its dramatic final four races, with McLaren facing intense pressure to convert their strong position into a championship victory. How they manage their drivers and the threat from Verstappen will define their season. Meanwhile, the off-track discussions about Hamilton's Ferrari move and the sport's commercial developments continue to shape the future landscape of Formula 1.