McLaren's Internal Battle: Max Verstappen's 'Best Ally' in 2025 Title Bid?

Guenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, has shifted his stance dramatically, now declaring Max Verstappen as the "favorite" for the 2025 F1 Drivers' Championship. This comes despite Verstappen trailing new championship leader Lando Norris by 36 points with just four races remaining. Steiner believes McLaren's commitment to letting both Norris and Oscar Piastri fight for the title, often referred to as 'papaya rules,' is inadvertently serving as Verstappen's "best ally."

Why it matters:

Ferrari's pursuit of a breakthrough engine could dramatically reshape the competitive landscape of F1. A powerful yet reliable power unit is crucial for a team aiming to challenge the established frontrunners and return to championship contention, a position they haven't held consistently since 2018.

The Details:

• Steiner's Shift: Once dismissing Verstappen's chances, Steiner now sees him as the frontrunner, largely due to McLaren's internal dynamics.
• McLaren's 'Papaya Rules': McLaren's policy of allowing both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to race each other fairly for the championship is, according to Steiner, playing directly into Verstappen's hands.
• Verstappen's Consistency: Steiner highlights Verstappen's reliability in securing points, noting that while Norris can be inconsistent, Verstappen "always gets it home," rarely making mistakes.
• Point Differential: With just one point separating Norris and Piastri, McLaren is in a difficult position to impose team orders, making their internal battle a boon for Verstappen.
• Improved Red Bull: An improved Red Bull RB21, combined with Verstappen's strategic racing, positions him to capitalize on any potential missteps or clashes between the McLaren drivers.

The Big Picture:

This championship battle has seen numerous twists, with Verstappen moving from an outsider to a strong contender. McLaren's commendable but potentially costly decision to maintain an open fight between its drivers could inadvertently pave the way for Verstappen's fifth consecutive title. The delicate balance within McLaren, coupled with Verstappen's consistent performance, sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 season.

What's next:

With four Grands Prix and two Sprint races remaining, the pressure is mounting. If McLaren continues its internal battle, and no driver establishes a clear lead, Verstappen is poised to exploit any opportunities. His renewed focus on solid points finishes, as seen in Mexico, suggests a calculated approach to snatching the title. The upcoming races will reveal whether McLaren's 'papaya rules' lead to a championship for one of their drivers or if they become Verstappen's ultimate advantage.