McLaren's 'Ace Card' Against Max Verstappen in F1 Title Fight

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle has highlighted a significant advantage McLaren possesses over Max Verstappen in the ongoing title battle. Despite Verstappen's impressive comeback, McLaren's two-driver strength, combined with upcoming track characteristics, could be their trump card.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen has dramatically closed the points gap, transforming what seemed like a comfortable lead for Oscar Piastri into a fierce championship fight with only five races remaining. McLaren's ability to leverage both Lando Norris and Piastri against a solo-performing Verstappen will be critical in deciding the 2024 F1 World Championship.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Surge: In the last five races, Verstappen has amassed 119 out of a possible 133 points, reducing Piastri's lead by 60 points in just four events, bringing the gap down to a mere 40 points.
• Upcoming Tracks: Brundle anticipates that the characteristics of the remaining tracks on the calendar should favor McLaren's challenger, potentially allowing them to regain their momentum and normal service.
• Red Bull's Form: While acknowledging Red Bull's RB20 is now a better all-round car and Verstappen is in peak form, Brundle emphasizes McLaren's strategic advantage.
• McLaren's 'Ace Card': McLaren's key strength lies in having two equally matched drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, consistently at the front. This contrasts sharply with Verstappen, who has received little to no support from his Red Bull teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. Brundle explicitly states, "McLaren's ace card is that it's two against one, and they are going to need to play that very well on every GP weekend until and including Abu Dhabi."
• Sprint Race Impact: Despite Verstappen's personal dislike for sprint weekends, Brundle notes that the format often plays into the Dutchman's talent and confidence. With additional points on offer in Brazil and Qatar sprint weekends, this format could further boost Verstappen's title chances. The intense schedule of sprint weekends—one practice session followed by sprint qualifying, sprint race, main qualifying, and the grand prix—creates a cumulative effect that suits Verstappen's aggressive style.

The Big Picture:

The championship battle has become incredibly tight, reminiscent of classic F1 showdowns. McLaren's strategy will need to be flawless, maximizing points from both drivers in every session. The dynamic between McLaren's dual threat and Verstappen's singular brilliance, augmented by Red Bull's improved car, sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season.

What's Next:

The championship will likely be decided by a combination of car performance, strategic execution, and the mental fortitude of the drivers. McLaren must utilize their two-driver advantage to put pressure on Verstappen, especially in the upcoming races that are expected to suit their car. How they manage the sprint weekends, which have proven to be a double-edged sword, will also be crucial.