Max Verstappen Calls McLaren's Intra-Team Shift 'Very Bizarre'

Red Bull's Max Verstappen believes he needs "a lot of luck" to win the 2025 Formula 1 title, admitting the "real picture" doesn't favor him against McLaren. He also found the sudden reversal in McLaren's intra-team battle, particularly Oscar Piastri's recent dip in form, to be "very bizarre," indicating a shift he didn't anticipate.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen's comments highlight the perceived strength of McLaren, even as Red Bull has closed the championship gap. His acknowledgment of needing luck underscores the competitive parity emerging in F1.
• The 'bizarre' shift in McLaren's internal dynamics, where Lando Norris has seemingly regained momentum over Oscar Piastri, could be a key factor in the constructors' battle and future driver market discussions.

The Details:

• Championship Gap: Verstappen has more than halved his deficit since Zandvoort, but attributes this partly to "circumstances" like McLaren's mistakes and crashes, rather than a fundamental pace advantage for Red Bull.
• Reality Check: Despite recent podiums, Verstappen acknowledges that sustained gains are not guaranteed, with Mexico City and Brazil serving as reminders of McLaren's underlying strength.
• McLaren's Internal Shift: Post-Zandvoort, Oscar Piastri was on course for his first world title. However, his performance has since dipped dramatically, while Lando Norris has seen a resurgence.
• Verstappen's Bewilderment: Verstappen stated, "I have no explanation for that to be honest. I find it very bizarre." He added that he didn't expect such a shift and doesn't believe Piastri suddenly forgot how to drive.
• Handling Difficulties: Jos Verstappen suggested Piastri or his manager Mark Webber should "slam their fist on the table." Max implied he would handle such a situation differently, being "a bit more annoyed" if he went from far ahead to far behind.
• Brazilian GP Penalty: Piastri's penalty in Brazil was deemed "unacceptable" by Carlos Sainz, with McLaren suggesting Antonelli was equally to blame. Verstappen admitted Red Bull would have been more vocal but acknowledged the penalty would stand regardless.

The Big Picture:

Verstappen's observations paint a vivid picture of the tightening F1 championship landscape. While Red Bull has clawed back points, the underlying competitiveness of McLaren remains a significant challenge. The internal dynamics at McLaren, particularly Piastri's dip in form, add another layer of intrigue, suggesting potential pressure points within the Woking-based team.

What's next:

• If Verstappen fails to secure a fifth consecutive title, he remains pragmatic, stating he would "still go on holiday" and is "not going to cry about it," indicating a mature perspective on his illustrious career.
• The focus will now shift to how McLaren manages its internal driver battle and addresses any underlying issues contributing to Piastri's recent performance dip. Their ability to maintain consistent strong form from both drivers will be crucial in challenging Red Bull next season.
• Red Bull will continue to seek opportunities where "circumstances" align to maximize their points, but Verstappen's comments suggest they are not complacent about their outright pace advantage.