Vettel Highlights Verstappen's Title Race Advantage, Calls His Improvement 'Scary'

Max Verstappen possesses a crucial advantage in the current F1 title fight: less pressure compared to his rivals, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. This is the assessment of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who also described Verstappen's continuous improvement as "scary." Verstappen now unexpectedly finds himself with a late-season opportunity to secure a record-equaling fifth consecutive championship after claiming four wins in the last seven races. His outside bid was further boosted by the McLaren drivers' disqualifications in Las Vegas due to excessive plank wear.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's resurgence and the unexpected turn of events in the championship race have intensified the season's climax. With only two races left, the narrative has shifted dramatically, making every point crucial. Vettel's insights underscore the psychological dimension of F1, where experience and mental fortitude can be as decisive as raw pace, especially when the stakes are at their highest.

The Details:

• Championship Standings: Verstappen, who won in Las Vegas, is now tied on points with second-placed Piastri, having erased a 104-point deficit from eight races ago. He trails leader Norris by just 24 points with 58 points still available in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
• Pressure Management: According to Vettel, Verstappen's multiple championships mean he "doesn't need to prove to himself that he can win a championship." This alleviates pressure, allowing him to approach the hunt with a mindset of "if it works it works, if it doesn't it doesn't."
• Continuous Improvement: Vettel, who raced against Verstappen for eight seasons, noted that the "scary thing is he's getting better." Despite being highly talented, Verstappen remains hungry, willing to learn, and works hard behind the scenes.
• Mental Fortitude: Vettel emphasized that Verstappen's "key ingredient is his head." He maintains composure in critical situations, rarely makes mistakes, and delivers under pressure by focusing on what truly matters, even while feeling the immense pressure.

Between the lines:

• Norris's Resilience: Vettel expressed admiration for Norris's ability to bounce back and return to his best form after an inconsistent first half of the season. He highlighted Norris's strong mental health advocacy and impressive performance, particularly in Mexico.
• Piastri's Maturity: Vettel praised Piastri's "very mature head on his shoulders" and his "lot of racing intelligence," predicting further improvement for the young driver in his third full F1 season.

What's next:

The F1 season's thrilling conclusion continues with the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint weekend, which will be critical for all three drivers. The psychological battle, as much as the on-track performance, will define who emerges victorious in this unexpected title fight. If Verstappen can maintain his current form and mental edge, he could very well complete a remarkable comeback and claim another championship.