Red Bull Boss Highlights Verstappen's 'Psychological Effect' on McLaren
Red Bull's Max Verstappen, once thought out of the title race, has closed the gap to Lando Norris, now trailing by just 12 points. This comeback is largely due to McLaren's strategic errors and Red Bull's consistent performance. Team principal Laurent Mekies highlighted Verstappen's "psychological effect" on competitors, attributing rivals' mistakes to the pressure of racing against him as the championship heads to Abu Dhabi.
Max Verstappen, initially considered out of the title race by the summer break, has made an incredible comeback, now trailing Lando Norris by just 12 points. This resurgence is largely attributed to Red Bull's strong execution and McLaren's strategic missteps, particularly evident in the Qatar Grand Prix.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's unexpected return to title contention after McLaren's strategic errors could dramatically alter the outcome of the Drivers' Championship. A strong run from Verstappen combined with his rivals' inefficiencies has reignited a championship battle that many thought was over, adding immense pressure as the season heads to its conclusion in Abu Dhabi.
The details:
- McLaren's Errors: McLaren's incorrect strategy calls in Qatar, and a perceived desire to keep both drivers on an even playing field, inadvertently provided Verstappen a pathway back into the title race.
- Red Bull's Execution: Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies credits his team's "extraordinary" and "massively strong executions" for capitalizing on competitors' less effective performances. He emphasized the team's ability to make courageous decisions and consistently strong race-day execution, even when risks didn't pay off.
- Verstappen's Pressure: Mekies noted the significant "psychological effect" Verstappen's consistent, flawless performance has on rival teams. He highlighted Verstappen's reliability in starts and his exceptional tire management as factors that exert pressure on competitors, leading to their mistakes.
What's next:
The Drivers' Championship heads to Abu Dhabi with three contenders still in the running: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri. The outcome will largely depend on who can maintain composure and flawless execution under immense pressure. If Red Bull and Verstappen can sustain their momentum and McLaren falters again, the championship could see an unexpected victor.