Max Verstappen is tantalizingly close to clinching his fourth Formula 1 World Championship, entering the Las Vegas Grand Prix with a 62-point lead over Lando Norris and only 86 points still in play. For Norris to have any hope of keeping his championship ambitions alive, he must gain at least three points on Verstappen during the Las Vegas race. However, McLaren’s recent admission that the drivers’ title was never their main priority this season has sparked curiosity, especially after the team’s efforts throughout the year seemed dedicated to maximizing Norris’s chances.
To secure the championship this weekend, Verstappen needs only to leave Las Vegas with a lead of at least 60 points over Norris. The path to victory is straightforward: if Verstappen finishes ahead of Norris, regardless of position, the title will be his. Even if he finishes behind Norris, Verstappen has a two-point margin to still clinch the trophy. Conversely, if Norris wants to postpone Verstappen’s coronation, he will need to outperform him by at least three points. For example, should Verstappen finish second, Norris must win to keep his hopes alive. If Verstappen places third, Norris would need at least a second-place finish.
Yet, this isn’t the only storyline grabbing attention as the championship reaches its climax. In a somewhat unexpected statement, McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella recently declared that the drivers’ championship was always secondary to the constructors’ title. He asserted that any team orders favoring one driver over another were done purely to maximize the team’s total points. This new narrative strikes a discordant note with McLaren’s actions over the season, where strategic decisions consistently favored Norris in critical moments, particularly against his teammate, Oscar Piastri. In Brazil, Piastri was asked to relinquish his position to Norris in the sprint race, and he complied, acknowledging the team’s focus on Norris’s championship bid.
The timing of Stella’s comments is intriguing, coming just as Norris’s hopes of surpassing Verstappen have significantly dimmed. Observers, including F1 commentator Martin Brundle, have speculated about the psychological impact on Norris. Brundle questioned whether Norris possesses the “killer instinct” required to contend against a rival as relentless as Verstappen. Although Stella insists that Norris isn’t burdened by undue pressure, Norris’s performances in recent races have suggested otherwise. Following his initial victories earlier in the season, his form has wavered, especially as the championship became a more tangible possibility.
McLaren’s sudden repositioning has raised questions about their future aspirations and Norris’s role within the team. The season has seen McLaren making strategic adjustments aimed squarely at bolstering Norris’s chances, including bringing in multiple rear-wing configurations—a substantial investment indicative of championship-level ambitions. Piastri’s statements further contradict Stella’s claim, as he has openly acknowledged his role as supporting Norris’s title bid.
With the Las Vegas Grand Prix looming, the circuit’s characteristics could favor Ferrari, according to McLaren’s estimations. High-speed sectors are not ideally suited for the MCL38’s configuration, leaving McLaren looking to the final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as potentially more advantageous venues. Yet, with Verstappen on the verge of closing the championship this weekend, the team’s chances for a comeback are slim.
On the Red Bull front, Verstappen’s triumph at Interlagos underscores the team’s recovery from a recent slump. Red Bull had faced scrutiny over technical issues, including wing flexibility and suspected tire manipulation. However, Verstappen’s win silenced critics and showcased the RB20’s return to form. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, emphasized that their best response to rivals’ suspicions was victory on the track. After a series of upgrades addressing their tire-wear problems, Red Bull appears reinvigorated, strengthening Verstappen’s hand for a conclusive performance in Las Vegas.
As McLaren adjusts its stance, the future implications of this season’s pivot will be closely watched, particularly in relation to Norris’s development and his rapport with the team. Verstappen, meanwhile, is on the verge of a historic milestone that will further solidify his legacy. The season’s narrative is set to leave a lasting impact, illustrating the demands of modern F1, where technical precision, mental resilience, and clear strategic intentions are essential for success.
