Verstappen Eyes McLaren's Internal 'Distraction' as Red Bull Goes 'All In' for Title Push

Max Verstappen believes the internal competition between McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri could be a 'distraction' that aids his late-season championship bid, though he'd still prefer their faster car. With four races remaining, Verstappen has narrowed a significant points gap to Norris, fueled by a resurgent RB21 and Red Bull's undivided focus on his title ambitions.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's renewed championship challenge, led by Max Verstappen, adds an unexpected twist to the F1 season's climax. While McLaren's strong performance has put both Norris and Piastri in contention, their internal battle could inadvertently create an opening for Verstappen to seize his fifth consecutive title, transforming what once seemed like a distant dream into a tangible possibility.

The Details:

• Points Gap Narrowed: Verstappen was over 100 points behind Oscar Piastri after the Dutch Grand Prix but has closed the deficit to 36 points behind Lando Norris with four races to go.
• McLaren's Stance: Despite the tight championship fight, McLaren has not shown signs of prioritizing one driver over the other, aiming to provide equal opportunity for both Norris and Piastri.
• Verstappen's Perspective: Verstappen sees the inter-team rivalry at McLaren as a potential 'distraction' for his competitors but concedes he'd still prefer to be in their position with a faster car.
  • He emphasized that Red Bull is 'all in' on his championship aspirations, leveraging their long-standing team synergy and shared success.
• Car Performance: While Red Bull's RB21 has improved through updates, McLaren's MCL39 demonstrated its formidable pace with a dominant victory in Mexico.
• Role of Other Teams: Verstappen acknowledges that Mercedes and Ferrari could still play a part in the championship outcome by taking points away from McLaren.

The big picture:

Verstappen's late-season surge has defied earlier expectations, turning what many believed was a lost cause into a legitimate title fight. This resurgence highlights Red Bull's relentless development and strategic focus, contrasting with McLaren's approach of letting their drivers compete freely. The championship's conclusion hinges on car performance, strategic calls, and potential external factors like other teams' results.

What's next:

Verstappen remains optimistic about his chances, despite the remaining points gap. He believes that while Red Bull needs to optimize every aspect and potentially rely on 'a little bit of luck,' there's 'not much to lose' from his current position. The team is hopeful for a stronger showing in Brazil, a track where Verstappen previously achieved a remarkable victory from 17th on the grid, and aims to capitalize on any performance advantage the track layout and altitude may offer. The pressure, he says, is off, as he's already delivered a 'really good season' regardless of the final outcome.