Jos Verstappen Reacts to McLaren's 'Huge Blunder' at Las Vegas GP

Jos Verstappen believes McLaren's disqualification at the Las Vegas Grand Prix has significantly intensified the pressure on their drivers in the championship fight. He called the incident a "huge blunder," suggesting it was a critical misstep for the team.

Why it matters:

McLaren's disqualification, coming after what was initially a strong performance, has not only cost them crucial points but also added immense pressure as the title race tightens. This incident could be a pivotal moment, shifting momentum and forcing McLaren to re-evaluate their operational strategies under scrutiny.

The details:

• Increased Pressure: Jos Verstappen stated that the pressure is now squarely on the McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, following their disqualification.
• Title Scenario: Despite Max Verstappen's strong form, Jos noted that Lando Norris would still secure the world championship if he finishes second in all remaining races and Max wins them all. This highlights the narrow margins and the continued challenge facing Max, despite McLaren's setback.
• Team Dynamics: Jos also pointed out the visible difference in performance between the two McLaren cars on track, suggesting internal dynamics or setup issues could be at play.
• Questionable Decision-Making: He criticized McLaren's decision to run so close to the regulatory limit, calling it a "huge blunder." He speculated that it might have been an honest mistake, or perhaps a necessity if the car isn't performing optimally without such aggressive setups.
• Pre-Race Knowledge: Jos revealed that Max Verstappen was aware of McLaren's impending disqualification even before the official announcement, indicating potential inside information or early findings within the paddock.

The big picture:

This disqualification has reignited the championship battle, giving Max Verstappen a significant boost in confidence and strategic advantage. With two races and a sprint event remaining, the points swing from this incident could prove crucial. The F1 paddock will be closely watching how McLaren responds to this setback and whether the added pressure impacts their drivers' performance in the final rounds of the season.

What's next:

For Max Verstappen, the strategy is clear: "everything has to fall into place," and he will continue to "go on the attack." McLaren, on the other hand, faces a renewed challenge to maintain composure and performance, needing to ensure no further missteps as they aim to keep their championship hopes alive. The final races promise an intense battle, with the consequences of this "huge blunder" potentially shaping the outcome.