Toto Wolff Acknowledges Max Verstappen as Title Contender After Baku Win

Despite a significant points gap, Toto Wolff believes Max Verstappen remains a title contender, describing him as a "point machine" who could capitalize on any McLaren DNFs. Verstappen's recent Baku victory has narrowed the championship lead to 69 points, sparking renewed speculation about his chances.

Why it matters:

After a challenging period, Max Verstappen's two consecutive victories have reignited his title aspirations, bringing him within striking distance of championship leader Oscar Piastri. This shift could intensify the Constructor's Championship battle, particularly for Mercedes, who are vying for P2 against Ferrari and a resurgent Red Bull.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Resurgence: Just two races ago, Verstappen trailed Piastri by 104 points. However, back-to-back victories have reduced that deficit to 69 points.
• Wolff's Assessment: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff concedes that Verstappen, a "point machine," cannot be underestimated. He acknowledges that a DNF (Did Not Finish) for a championship leader, coupled with a 25-point win for Verstappen, could quickly change the championship dynamic.
• Mercedes' Stakes: Wolff is wary of Verstappen's form, as Red Bull, currently 18 points behind Mercedes, poses a threat to their ambition of securing P2 in the Constructors' Championship for the first time since 2023.
• Baku Performance: Wolff expressed satisfaction with Mercedes' "strong weekend" in Baku, where George Russell finished second and Kimi Antonelli secured fourth place, providing positive momentum after a challenging period post-summer break.

The Big Picture:

Verstappen's championship bid seemed unlikely just weeks ago, but his consistent performance and the fluctuating nature of F1 have brought him back into contention. While the gap is still substantial, the championship narrative is far from settled, with three teams now seemingly involved in both drivers' and constructors' fights.

What's Next:

• The championship battle is expected to continue with upcoming races in Singapore, which Wolff anticipates will see strong performances from Ferrari and McLaren.
• The focus for Mercedes will be on maintaining their lead in the Constructors' Championship and building on the positive momentum from Baku.
• All eyes will be on whether Verstappen can continue his winning streak and further reduce the points gap, and if McLaren can maintain their consistency.