After a dramatic weekend at the Mexico City Grand Prix, the F1 Drivers’ Championship landscape has shifted, and Sky F1 commentator Martin Brundle believes the fight for the title may no longer include reigning champion Max Verstappen.
With Lando Norris now leading the standings by a single point over his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, Verstappen finds himself 36 points adrift. Brundle says the Dutchman will need near-perfect results to remain in contention.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ The F1 Show podcast, Brundle laid out his updated prediction.
"I believe Max has got a lot to do unless he has a few weekends like Austin. Because of the remaining four events, I believe McLaren will be faster in at least two of them,” said the former F1 driver.
It’s McLaren Drivers’ Fight to Lose
Brundle highlighted the advantage of McLaren having two drivers capable of fighting at the front, a point he has made consistently in the back half of the season.
"It’s two against one, and Max doesn't have a rear gunner up there. And every so often, a Ferrari or a Mercedes is grabbing the bigger points, the top three points as well,” he explained.
Looking ahead, he expects the Woking-based team to have strong performances in the final races.
"I believe it's between the two McLaren drivers, unless they step on their own tails and hand it to Max, because Max really effectively needs 12 or 15 points a weekend to compensate for weekends… I believe in Qatar, for example, the McLaren will be stronger, probably Abu Dhabi as well.
“I think Lando can take it unless Oscar can return to the form that he had earlier in the season and providing they don't step on their own tails at McLaren."
Verstappen Acknowledges the Challenge
When speaking to reporters after Mexico City, Verstappen was asked how optimistic he felt about his title chances with four races to go.
"So, I said before the weekend, everything needs to go perfect to win. And this weekend didn't go perfect. So that's your answer," he admitted.
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"I think it's going to be tough, but let's see what we can do in other tracks," he added. "I hope, of course, we won't experience a weekend like this again, but it still shows that we're not quick in every scenario."
The season continues next week at Interlagos, where Verstappen last year claimed a dominant victory in tricky conditions.
While the Dutchman is far from out mathematically, Brundle’s analysis suggests McLaren’s duo may now be the favorites to clinch the crown.
Read also: The crucial debrief that allowed Norris to reconnect with McLaren
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