F1 news: Max Verstappen’s Monza and Baku wins send a warning to McLaren
Max Verstappen has forced his way back into the championship conversation with back-to-back victories at Monza and Baku, breathing new life into Red Bull’s season.
Here, Sports News Blitz deputy content editor Nicole Powell looks at what his resurgence means for McLaren’s title hopes.
McLaren’s strong season faces new test
For most of this year, McLaren looked in control of the championship fight.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were racking up consistent results, and the team built a healthy gap over rivals.
But the fact that Verstappen is back in the title conversation shows that things are far from settled.
In Formula 1, no lead is ever safe – and McLaren now face their toughest challenge yet.
Red Bull struggled earlier in the season, with a car that lacked the edge we’ve grown used to seeing, but recent results have turned things around.
Verstappen’s wins in Monza and Baku put him right back into the picture, cutting into McLaren’s advantage.
Even Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team boss, admitted they can’t ignore Verstappen.
After all, when he has the tools, he’s always dangerous.
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McLaren can’t afford mistakes
Verstappen’s return means McLaren’s margin for error has almost disappeared – if Piastri or Norris slip up, Verstappen will be there to take advantage.
Strategy, reliability, and even small decisions on race weekends now carry more weight, especially around the so-called ‘Papaya rules’.
McLaren need to keep their upgrade pace strong and avoid any signs of complacency if they want to hold their ground.
There’s also a mental side to this battle.
McLaren have enjoyed confidence all year, but Verstappen’s resurgence adds pressure.
When you’re defending instead of attacking, mistakes come more easily, and confidence can quickly crack.
Verstappen and Red Bull are not afraid to take risks, so McLaren will need to match that focus and resilience.
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A three-way fight changes everything
What once looked like a straight fight between Norris and Piastri is now shifting into a three-way battle.
That makes the title race more unpredictable, and Verstappen is at his most dangerous when the fight becomes chaotic.
McLaren still have the upper hand, but they will need to execute nearly perfectly to keep Verstappen at bay.
Verstappen being back in the title conversation says one clear thing about McLaren: their dominance is under threat.
They’re still in control, but the margin is slimmer, the stakes higher, and every race now matters more.
The championship isn’t slipping away, but Verstappen’s presence ensures it will be no easy ride.
