The current Formula 1 season is approaching a thrilling climax. With four Grands Prix left on the calendar – and two sprint races – it seems to be a neck-and-neck race between the two McLaren drivers and Max Verstappen. There is a high probability that the title fight will only be decided during the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Former driver and analyst Martin Brundle is already making a prediction; he expects the championship to go to a McLaren driver.
So far, it is difficult to identify a clear title favorite. In recent races, the differences between the three contenders have only become smaller. During the past race weekend in Mexico, Lando Norris reclaimed the lead in the world championship – he is now one point ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri. Max Verstappen, meanwhile, has also crept closer. The Dutchman still needs to make up 36 World Championship points on the Brit. This does not make it any easier for Brundle.
‘It’s two against one’
“I dare to bet twenty-five shopping bags that one of the three of them will become champion,” he joked in a broadcast of Sky Sports. “After last weekend, I think Max (Verstappen, ed.) still has too much to make up,” Brundle continued in a serious tone. “Unless he has another weekend like Austin, of course.” The four-time world champion claimed pole position twice in Texas and won both the sprint race and the main race. “But looking at the last four Grands Prix, I think McLaren will be the fastest at least twice,” said Brundle.”Moreover, it’s two against one,” he continued. “Max doesn’t have a teammate who can support him. And we mustn’t forget that Mercedes and Ferrari will also occasionally score important points. So yes, I think the title fight will be within McLaren,” concluded Brundle. “Unless they mess it up for themselves, of course,” he added. “Realistically, Max needs about twelve to fifteen World Championship points per weekend to compensate for previous races.”
According to Brundle, it remains to be seen which McLaren driver will ultimately take the final victory. “Lando (Norris) could take it, unless Oscar (Piastri) returns to the form we saw earlier in the season in the final races,” he concluded. “And again, McLaren mustn’t mess it up for themselves.”
