Palmer: "I still can't see that Max wins the title, but never say never"

Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer acknowledges that despite Max Verstappen's recent resurgence, the Dutchman still faces a significant challenge to win the drivers' championship this season. While Palmer initially dismissed Verstappen's title hopes, his back-to-back victories have reignited the conversation, though a 69-point deficit to Oscar Piastri remains a formidable hurdle.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's remarkable comeback after a period of struggle with the RB21 has injected fresh excitement into the F1 title race. His consecutive wins have demonstrated Red Bull's ability to recover and perform, making the championship battle more dynamic despite a substantial points gap. This shift in momentum keeps fans and pundits speculating about a potential, albeit difficult, title challenge.

The details:

• Championship Standings: Max Verstappen currently sits third in the drivers' standings with 255 points, 69 points behind leader Oscar Piastri (324 points) and also trailing Lando Norris.
• Recent Performance: After initial struggles, Red Bull's updates to the RB21 led to consecutive victories for Verstappen at the Italian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix. These wins allowed him to close a 25-point gap in a single weekend.
• Palmer's Initial Skepticism: Jolyon Palmer was initially quick to dismiss Verstappen's title chances after Monza due to the significant points deficit, stating it was "just not possible."
• Reignited Hope: Despite his ongoing doubts about Verstappen overcoming the 69-point deficit, Palmer admits that "because it's Max, I think you'd never say never," acknowledging his exceptional talent and Red Bull's potential.

Between the lines:

Palmer highlights the unique challenge posed by the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix. The Marina Bay Street Circuit has historically been difficult for Red Bull, particularly in low-downforce trim. He expresses skepticism about Verstappen's chances of securing pole position there, which could further hinder his title aspirations.

• Singapore Grand Prix: This weekend's race in Singapore could be a pivotal moment. The circuit's characteristics may not favor the Red Bull as much as the recent high-speed tracks.
• Red Bull's Low-Downforce Strength: Palmer notes that the Red Bull performs exceptionally well in low-downforce configurations, which was evident in Baku and Monza. Singapore, however, demands high-downforce performance.
• Palmer's Prediction: He believes that if Verstappen can take pole in Singapore, it might put him "in some contention," but he still foresees a need for "some disaster for McLaren" to truly bridge the gap.

What's next:

The F1 paddock remains divided on whether Verstappen is truly back in the title hunt. While McLaren team boss Andrea Stella and driver Lando Norris acknowledge Red Bull's renewed speed, the focus will now shift to Singapore to see if Verstappen can maintain his winning streak on a circuit traditionally less favorable to his team. His performance there will be crucial in determining the viability of his long-shot championship bid.