P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen is now just 40 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, having been 64 points behind four races ago.
Toto Wolff believes that the “underdog” in the F1 title race, Max Verstappen, has a “psychological advantage” as he intensifies his pursuit of Oscar Piastri. Verstappen is now just 40 points behind Piastri in the standings after a strong showing in the Austin Sprint weekend. Piastri has been losing points to Verstappen and Lando Norris since the Italian GP, with Piastri on 346, Norris on 332, and Verstappen on 306. McLaren has halted development of its MCL39, giving Red Bull the opportunity to catch up in upgrades. Wolff, drawing on his experience from past title fights, sees Verstappen as having nothing to lose in his quest for a fifth championship.
