Red Bull Fuels Championship Hype: 'It's Still On'

Red Bull is doubling down on the Drivers' Championship battle, making it clear they're not giving up the fight anytime soon. Following the disqualification of both McLaren drivers in Las Vegas, Red Bull's social media channels are buzzing with renewed confidence, signaling that Max Verstappen is very much back in the title hunt as the season approaches its dramatic conclusion.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's aggressive social media push highlights a significant shift in the championship narrative. What seemed like a dwindling chance for Verstappen has been reinvigorated by McLaren's misfortune. This not only intensifies the title fight but also puts immense pressure on McLaren and its drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, heading into the final races. The 'it's still on' mantra perfectly encapsulates the sudden swing in momentum and Red Bull's determination to capitalize on it.

The details:

• Red Bull updated their X (formerly Twitter) bio to read "it's still on," directly referencing the McLaren disqualifications that brought Verstappen back into contention.
• They also shared a celebratory image of Verstappen, captioned "du du du du intensifies," a playful nod to his iconic jingle.
• With only two Grands Prix and a Sprint race remaining, Verstappen now trails Lando Norris by 24 points and is level with Oscar Piastri.
• The disqualifications in Las Vegas, due to excessive skid-block wear on both MCL39s, were a major blow for McLaren, particularly for Norris who lost a crucial second-place finish.
• Playful Jab: Red Bull Sim Racing also joined in, posting a video on Instagram humorously demonstrating how to avoid disqualification by maxing out front and rear ride-height settings, a clear dig at McLaren's technical infraction.

The big picture:

The F1 Drivers' Championship has taken an unexpected turn, transforming what was looking like a clear path for McLaren into a three-way battle. Red Bull's social media strategy is not just about hyping their driver; it's a psychological play, aiming to unnerve their rivals and rally their own team and fanbase. This renewed intensity adds another layer of excitement to what has already been an unpredictable season, promising a thrilling conclusion in the final races.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the final two races and the Sprint to see how this championship battle unfolds. Verstappen, now the underdog with renewed vigor, will be pushing hard to close the points gap. McLaren, despite the setback, will need to quickly regain their composure and focus on consistent performance. The 'du du du du' of intensity is only set to get louder as F1 heads towards its thrilling climax.