McLaren Title Failure Would Be 'Biggest Surprise in F1 History'

Lucas di Grassi, former F1 driver now in Formula E, believes that if either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri fail to win the F1 drivers' title, it would be "one of the biggest surprises" in the sport's history. Norris currently leads the championship by a single point after converting his pole position into a dominant victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, extending his lead over Charles Leclerc by 30 seconds, with Piastri finishing sixth, 42 seconds behind.

Why it matters:

McLaren has shown exceptional pace and consistency this season, with both Norris and Piastri leading the championship at different points. Their current position as title contenders signifies a remarkable turnaround for the team and sets the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the season. A failure to capitalize on their strong performance would indeed be a historical shock.

The Details:

• Championship Lead: Norris now leads the drivers' championship by one point following his victory in Mexico City.
• Dominant Performance: He secured a commanding win, finishing 30 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc and 42 seconds ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.
• McLaren's Season: Both Norris and Piastri have held the championship lead at different points this season. Piastri's lead over Max Verstappen was as much as 104 points after his win in Zandvoort.
• Verstappen's Resurgence: Despite McLaren's strong start, Max Verstappen has significantly closed the gap, now trailing by just 36 points with four races remaining.
• Red Bull's Improvement: Red Bull's new floor, introduced at Monza, has revitalized the RB21, making Verstappen a serious contender for a record-equaling fifth consecutive drivers' title.

Between the lines:

Di Grassi acknowledges Verstappen's driving prowess, stating that "Max is doing the job, and he deserves the title more than anybody else." However, he emphasizes the sheer unlikelihood of McLaren's current advantage evaporating. This perspective highlights the pressure on McLaren to convert their strong season into a championship win, especially given the resurgence of Red Bull and Verstappen.

What's next:

The remaining four races will be crucial in determining whether McLaren can maintain their lead and secure a historic championship. Verstappen's relentless pursuit, combined with Red Bull's improved car, means McLaren cannot afford any missteps. The battle is set to be intense, with the outcome potentially cementing McLaren's return to the pinnacle of Formula 1 or, as Di Grassi suggests, creating one of the sport's most unexpected twists.