Verstappen Sees 'Big Opportunity' in Las Vegas to Close McLaren Gap

Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer believes the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix presents a “big opportunity” for Max Verstappen to significantly reduce his deficit in the drivers' championship. Verstappen currently sits third, 36 points behind leader Lando Norris, who secured a dominant victory in Mexico City.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's championship hopes hinge on closing the points gap in the final four races. With Norris and McLaren showing strong form, any event that disrupts their momentum or plays into Verstappen's strengths could be pivotal for the Red Bull driver to challenge for a record fifth title.

The Details:

• Current Standings: Max Verstappen is 36 points behind championship leader Lando Norris, who claimed victory in Mexico City.
• Brazil Preview: The next race is in Brazil, a venue where Verstappen has won three times previously. Wet weather is also forecast, which could favor Verstappen's renowned wet-weather driving skills.
• Palmer's Assessment of Brazil: Jolyon Palmer, speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, stated that a victory for Verstappen in Brazil is crucial. He believes that if Verstappen wins, the gap to Norris could shrink to less than 30 points.
• Las Vegas Opportunity: Palmer identifies the Las Vegas Grand Prix, held two weeks after Brazil, as the prime opportunity for Verstappen to make significant gains.
  • McLaren's Potential Struggle: Palmer anticipates McLaren could struggle in Las Vegas, potentially finishing as low as sixth or seventh, allowing Verstappen to gain a substantial points advantage over them.
  • Mercedes and Ferrari: Mercedes is expected to be fast in Vegas, while Ferrari remains a wildcard.

What's next:

Palmer suggests that Verstappen's strategy should be to minimize the points gap heading into the Abu Dhabi season finale. He believes that if the championship goes down to the wire, the pressure will be on McLaren, especially if both their drivers are still in contention. Verstappen, starting from a slightly disadvantaged position, has the chance to do something 'special' and capitalize on any potential team dynamics or pressures within McLaren.