The dust has settled in Baku, but the echoes of Max Verstappen`s dominant victory resonate far beyond the Azerbaijani street circuit. What initially seemed like a season-long coronation for McLaren`s young guard, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, now carries a distinct, unsettling undertone – the creeping, ominous melody of the `Jaws` theme, signaling the return of Formula 1`s apex predator.
The Flawless and the Floundering: A Weekend in Contrast
Verstappen`s performance in Azerbaijan was a masterclass: pole position, fastest lap, and a commanding race win. It was the kind of weekend that makes rivals question their life choices. For Red Bull, it was a timely assertion of power, a declaration that their recent performance surge is no fluke, largely attributed to a meticulously crafted new floor introduced at Monza. Their car, once deemed “difficult to drive,” now seems to bend to the Dutchman`s will with unnerving precision, raising the uncomfortable question of whether the difficulty lay in the car or the driver who wasn`t Verstappen.
Conversely, McLaren`s weekend was a symphony of missed opportunities and uncharacteristic errors. Championship leader Oscar Piastri, usually the picture of composure, endured a tumultuous qualifying session followed by an early race retirement. Meanwhile, Lando Norris, despite gaining a handful of points on his teammate, appeared to falter under pressure, leaving golden chances on the table. Add to this a crucial, slow pit stop – a recurring theme of late – and the narrative of McLaren`s vulnerability begins to write itself. They arrived in Baku anticipating an early Constructors` Championship celebration; they left with a distinct target on their back and a growing shadow.
Andrea Stella`s Prophecy: A Champion`s Warning
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, a man known for his measured assessments, didn`t mince words. Even when Verstappen trailed by a seemingly insurmountable 94 points, Stella boldly declared him a title contender. After Baku, with the gap shrinking to 69 points behind Piastri and 44 behind Norris, his conviction only solidified:
“Definitely, Max is in contention for the drivers` championship. We knew it, and we got confirmation today.”
Statistically, a 69-point deficit with seven races to go still seems formidable, requiring almost flawless execution from Verstappen and a significant stroke of misfortune for McLaren. Yet, the F1 paddock views Verstappen through a different lens. His unparalleled consistency and a demonstrated ability to string together unprecedented winning streaks – including a record-breaking ten-race run in 2023 – transforms a statistical long shot into a legitimate “wild card.” It`s a testament to the man`s undeniable talent that we`re even having this conversation, a discussion few other drivers, even with similar point deficits, would warrant.
The Unbearable Weight of Expectation: McLaren`s Jitters
The core of Stella`s concern, perhaps, lies not just in Verstappen`s resurgence, but in McLaren`s response to pressure. Baku exposed a fragility that had been simmering beneath the surface. Piastri`s calm demeanor post-race, where he acknowledged “too many mistakes,” was perhaps an attempt to brush off a rare, error-strewn weekend. Stella, drawing parallels to legends like Michael Schumacher, emphasized that even the greatest champions have their off-weekends. True, but Verstappen`s relentless pursuit leaves little room for such human frailties; his `off-weekends` often still involve a podium finish.
Norris, too, faced scrutiny for not fully capitalizing on Piastri`s misfortunes. His assertion, “I`m doing the best I can in every race… I don`t really care how people look at it,” speaks volumes about the internal and external pressures. The tightrope walk of managing an intra-team championship battle, riddled with incidents from Canada to Monza, has undoubtedly strained McLaren`s focus. Now, a third, incredibly formidable force has joined the fray, disrupting their delicate balance and making their internal squabbles look like unfortunate distractions.
Singapore: The Crucible of Contention
The next battleground, the Singapore Grand Prix, holds the key to whether this burgeoning title fight truly ignites. Marina Bay presents a unique challenge: a high-downforce street circuit known for its unforgiving walls and searing humidity. Historically, it`s been a “bogey track” for Red Bull and, notably, a venue where Verstappen has never claimed victory. Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko articulated this sentiment:
“If we are competitive in Singapore, then maybe we can start dreaming… it will be the real benchmark where we are.”
If Red Bull and Verstappen can conquer Singapore, a circuit that supposedly doesn`t suit their car`s characteristics or the Dutchman`s winning record, then Stella`s `Jaws` alarm will blare at full volume. The prospect of Verstappen “running the table” from that point onward, echoing his historical streaks, becomes frighteningly real for his rivals. His ability to become “unbeatable very quickly in the right car” is not merely a reputation; it`s a proven threat that has dismantled title challenges before.
The Teammate Advantage: A Silent Weapon
Adding another layer to this unfolding drama is the internal dynamic of each team. While McLaren grapples with two highly competitive drivers fiercely battling for supremacy, Verstappen enjoys a clear, singular focus within Red Bull Racing. He is unlikely to lose championship points to a teammate, a stark contrast to McLaren`s delicate balancing act. This unspoken advantage provides Verstappen with consistent opportunities to chip away at the points gap, race by race, without the added complexity of managing internal rivalries and the inevitable, if unintentional, points cannibalization.
The Growing Shadow
It may still seem a touch speculative to declare Max Verstappen an undeniable championship favorite from his current position. Yet, the confluence of Red Bull`s undeniable performance uptick, McLaren`s uncharacteristic stumbles under pressure, and the sheer, almost intimidating aura of Verstappen himself, combine to paint a compelling picture. The `Jaws` theme, once a faint whisper, is undeniably swelling in the background of McLaren`s garage. Singapore isn`t just another race; it`s a litmus test, an unmissable chapter in what is rapidly becoming an unexpectedly thrilling Formula 1 title fight.
Rupert Caldwell