The title fight in Formula 1 continues to heat up. Who will prevail in the McLaren duel? Will Max Verstappen come back after all? RTL expert Christian Danner looks at the decisive phase in the premier motorsport class.
Formula 1 is currently putting together one of its most exciting final phases ever. After Lando Norris’ triumph in Mexico, the Briton has again overtaken team-mate Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ championship.
Does this have an impact on the title fight? “Basically, it was of course surprising that he had such a slack. What we saw in Mexico City was actually not particularly exciting in training compared to teammate Norris,” says Danner RTL/ntv and sport.de.
“In the race, however, it was the Piastri as we know him again. That’s why I would say: They are only separated by one point – in other words, a de facto tie.”
The expert expects a tough and close race in the final sprint for the title. “It will be really tough, in every race until the end of the season in Abu Dhabi.”
There are still four main races on the F1 program, plus two sprint editions in Brazil and Qatar.
Is there a falling out between Piastri and Norris?
“If we look at the gap between the first Norris and the second Piastri, that’s just one point. From that point of view, you can’t ignore the sprint races, even if there are fewer points.” The next GP will take place in São Paulo.
“Brazil is always spectacular, no question about it. I would say that everything is very, very strong now, because a tie between two drivers in a car that is still at least superior or at least a little superior still means that there is a crash in some way. But let’s let it come to us. At the moment it is definitely incredibly exciting.”
Danner clearly sees the two McLaren drivers as favorites. Mexico winner Norris leads Piastri by one point, followed by Verstappen, 35 points behind.
“Max Verstappen can of course have a say,” said Danner.
“But the gap is still relatively large and I would say that it is more likely that the two McLaren princes will work it out between themselves.”