Ahead of the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix weekend, Max Verstappen attributed McLaren’s mistakes as the primary factor enabling him to remain competitive in the Formula 1 title race. Their recent errors not only kept the Red Bull driver in the hunt but also increased his chances of challenging another British driver in the final race.
Verstappen clinched his first F1 championship by overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the controversial final lap of the 2021 Abu Dhabi race. Now, as he vies for a fifth consecutive title, he trails Lando Norris by just 12 points, with Oscar Piastri a further four points behind, setting the stage for a thrilling three-way title showdown – a scenario unseen since 2010, when Sebastian Vettel staged a remarkable comeback to win the championship on the final day.
Reflecting on the past and looking ahead, Verstappen shared his optimism, acknowledging the challenge but maintaining a positive outlook. The Red Bull team’s strategic move to have Hannah Schmitz collect the constructors’ trophy alongside Verstappen was a clear message to McLaren following their latest mishap.
In the aftermath of the race, McLaren’s Andrea Stella and Zak Brown opted not to speak to the media initially. Stella later emphasized that Norris would not receive preferential treatment despite the intensified competition from Verstappen. The team remains committed to letting both drivers compete on equal terms, recognizing Piastri’s outside chance in the championship battle.
While Piastri remains determined, he acknowledges the slim odds of securing the championship. Norris, on the other hand, holds a strong position, needing only a podium finish to secure the title regardless of his rivals’ performances. A crucial move by Norris, aided by Antonelli’s slip, has significantly impacted the championship race, reminiscent of past dramatic season finales.
Controversy surrounding Antonelli’s actions on the track led to contrasting opinions among team representatives, with Verstappen’s engineer suggesting a deliberate move and Red Bull’s Helmut Marko insinuating favoritism. Responding to the accusations, Toto Wolff dismissed the claims as baseless and emphasized the team’s focus on their own objectives.
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