P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Another Max Verstappen win and a huge disaster for McLaren in Baku means the points gap is coming down. Do we have a three-way title fight?
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marked Max Verstappen’s second consecutive win from pole position and brought him within 69 points of championship leader Oscar Piastri and 44 points of Lando Norris with seven races remaining. McLaren’s poor performance in Baku has raised concerns about Verstappen’s title contention, prompting discussions on whether his threat is due to Red Bull’s improvement or McLaren’s struggles. Analysts believe that while Verstappen’s outstanding driving makes him a threat, overcoming the significant points gap may be unrealistic, especially considering McLaren’s competitive pace and consistency. Although McLaren’s recent setback in Baku may have opened a window of opportunity for Verstappen, it is still deemed challenging for him to clinch the title unless McLaren falters further or the championship battle intensifies between Piastri and Norris. Despite the doubts about his championship chances, Verstappen’s driving prowess is recognized, making him a formidable presence on the grid for the remainder of the season.
