Verstappen Awakens Championship Fight in F1: Is McLaren Under Pressure?
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix witnessed an impeccable performance by Max Verstappen, solidifying his position as a potential contender in the battle for the Formula 1 title in 2025. Despite being 69 points behind the championship leader, Verstappen’s victory, combined with McLaren’s mistakes, has rekindled the hopes of his fans and put the British team under renewed pressure.
The weekend in Baku was contrasting for McLaren. While Verstappen dominated, both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris suffered significant setbacks, including an accident in qualifying and a race with missed opportunities. Andrea Stella, McLaren’s boss, did not hesitate to point to Verstappen as a clear contender for the championship.
“Definitely, Max is in contention for the drivers’ championship. We knew it, and today we confirmed it”.
Andrea Stella, McLaren Team Principal
Verstappen’s victory in Baku and Piastri’s lack of points reduced the gap to 69 points between the Dutchman and the championship leader, and to 44 points from Norris. Although the gap is considerable, Verstappen has reduced Piastri’s lead by 35 points in the last two races.
Verstappen, although cautious, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation. However, his performance has generated expectations, and the possibility of a comeback is real. Verstappen’s consistency and his ability to perform at the highest level, even in difficult conditions, make him a formidable rival.
The pressure intensifies for McLaren. The fragility shown in Baku, with mistakes by Piastri and missed opportunities by Norris, suggests that the team must improve its performance to maintain its leading position. The response of Piastri, Norris, and McLaren in the upcoming races will be crucial in defining the course of the championship.
Piastri, despite his complicated weekend, remained calm, while Norris expressed his frustration at the missed opportunities. The performance of both drivers in Azerbaijan highlighted the need for greater consistency to aim for the title.
Stella compared Piastri’s weekend to the mistakes made by great champions like Michael Schumacher, downplaying their importance and highlighting the importance of learning. However, the focus is now on Verstappen, who has become the “wild card” of the championship.
The combination of Red Bull’s progress and Verstappen’s consecutive victories has generated palpable pressure on McLaren. The next race in Singapore, where Verstappen has never won, will be a crucial test. If Red Bull achieves victory, Verstappen’s title aspirations will be strengthened.
Helmut Marko, advisor to Red Bull Racing, pointed out the importance of Singapore as a benchmark. Verstappen’s ability to take points away from his rivals and the possibility of Red Bull consolidating itself as the car to beat, legitimize the idea that Verstappen is in the fight for the championship.
McLaren arrives in Singapore with a slight shadow, even though the constructors’ championship is secured. The race in Singapore will be crucial to determine if Verstappen can consolidate his position as a title contender and challenge McLaren.Max Verstappen potencialmente reinsertó su nombre en la pelea por el título de F1 con un fin de semana impecable en Azerbaiyán.The next Singapore Grand Prix will be decisive for Verstappen and for the championship.
“I don’t rely on hope,” Verstappen said on Sunday night. “I just go race by race, which I’ve basically been doing all season, trying to do the best we can, trying to score as many points as we can. And then, after Abu Dhabi, we’ll know.”
