Red Bull Hopes for "Similar Scenario" as Verstappen Chases McLaren Duo

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is hoping Max Verstappen can benefit from a "similar scenario" to Sebastian Vettel's 2010 championship win, as Verstappen aims to overhaul McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a tight championship battle. The Dutchman has already made significant gains, closing a 104-point deficit in just five rounds, and with 116 points still available, Red Bull remains optimistic.

Why it matters:

This championship scenario could redefine the 2024 season's narrative, showcasing Verstappen's ability to mount a comeback against formidable competition. For Red Bull, it's a chance to replicate a historic moment and secure another drivers' title, while for McLaren, it's a test of their equal-treatment policy as their drivers battle each other.

The details:

• Vettel's Precedent: In 2010, Sebastian Vettel, then with Red Bull, won the final two rounds of the season to clinch his first F1 title, despite trailing Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber heading into the final race. Marko hopes for a similar late-season surge from Verstappen.
• Verstappen's Comeback: Verstappen has narrowed a 104-point gap in just five races, demonstrating strong recovery form. He currently sits 36 points behind Norris and 35 points behind Piastri.
• Remaining Races: With four races left and 116 points on offer, Verstappen has a credible, albeit outside, chance to clinch the title. Red Bull is particularly looking forward to Brazil, where they secured a crucial step towards last year's title.
• McLaren's Stance: McLaren boss Zak Brown has publicly stated his preference for Verstappen to win the title over implementing team orders between Norris and Piastri. McLaren intends to give both drivers "free rein" until the end of the season.
• Potential Impact of Neutrality: Marko speculates that McLaren's equal-treatment policy might further motivate Oscar Piastri, potentially creating an intra-team battle that could benefit Verstappen.

The big picture:

The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for Red Bull and Verstappen, marked by both dominant performances and unexpected challenges. Their resilience, even when things haven't gone perfectly (as seen in Singapore and Mexico), has kept them in contention. McLaren, on the other hand, finds itself in a challenging but exciting position, with two drivers vying for the championship under a strict no-team-orders policy. This dynamic sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season, with every race becoming critically important.

What's next:

The F1 circus heads to Interlagos for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, a track where Red Bull found crucial success last year. This race will be pivotal in determining whether Verstappen can further close the gap on the McLaren drivers and if McLaren's strategy of allowing both Norris and Piastri to race freely will pay off or inadvertently aid their rival. The championship fight is set to intensify in the coming rounds.