Toto Wolff: Max Verstappen's F1 Title Dream 'Ship Has Sailed'

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has declared that Max Verstappen's chances of securing a record-equalling fifth F1 drivers' title are over, despite a stellar performance in São Paulo.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, delivered arguably the drive of the season in São Paulo, battling from the pit lane to a podium finish. However, his remarkable effort wasn't enough to keep his championship hopes alive in what has been a fiercely contested season. With only three races left and a significant points deficit, this signals a crucial turning point in the 2024 F1 season, effectively narrowing the title fight to McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

The details:

• Verstappen's São Paulo Heroics: Starting from the pit lane with a new power unit, Verstappen impressively carved his way through the field, securing a podium finish just 10 seconds behind race-winner Lando Norris and 0.362 seconds behind runner-up Kimi Antonelli. This made him only the eighth driver in F1 history to achieve a podium after starting from the pit lane.
• Current Standings: Lando Norris's seventh victory of the year has given him a 24-point lead over his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. Verstappen now trails Norris by 49 points, with only 83 points remaining from the final three Grands Prix in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
• Wolff's Assessment: When informed of Verstappen's 49-point deficit, Toto Wolff unequivocally stated, "Okay, that ship has sailed," effectively ruling Verstappen out of the title contention.
• Praise for Verstappen: Despite ruling him out of the title fight, Wolff reserved special praise for Verstappen's "astonishing drive" from the back of the grid, acknowledging the "big step" Red Bull made with a fresh engine and noting, "But never discount Max, even if he starts from last... It's the reason why he's a four-time world champion."
• McLaren's Title Battle: Wolff commended McLaren's handling of their drivers, allowing Norris and Piastri to race freely, stating, "How they've handled it is very well. It's very good, letting them race. I don't see a situation where they're taking each other out."

The big picture:

This season has seen a significant shift in the competitive landscape, with McLaren emerging as a dominant force. While Verstappen's individual performances continue to impress, the consistent form of McLaren's drivers and their strategic decisions have put them in a prime position for the championship. Wolff's comments underscore the current reality: the title is now firmly a McLaren internal battle, marking a significant departure from Red Bull's recent dominance.

What's next:

With Verstappen mathematically out of contention according to Wolff's assessment, the focus shifts entirely to the thrilling championship battle between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The final three races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi will determine who emerges victorious, with Norris holding a solid but not insurmountable lead. Spectators will be hoping for a tight finish, potentially going down to the final race, as McLaren aims to manage the intensity of an intra-team title fight.