P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren shock stirs ‘next level’ Max Verstappen: ‘One of his strongest ever’
Max Verstappen’s performance in the Qatar Grand Prix has been praised as “next level” and “one of his strongest ever”, setting him up for a shot at a fifth consecutive F1 drivers’ title.
Despite being 104 points behind Oscar Piastri after the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen has closed the gap to just 12 points behind new leader Lando Norris going into the final race in Abu Dhabi.
Verstappen battled a challenging car setup throughout the weekend but still managed to qualify third on the grid, staying close to his main rivals.
McLaren’s strategic error during a safety car period gave Verstappen a chance to take the lead and ultimately win the race.
Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, expressed surprise at McLaren’s strategy, highlighting the crucial role of pit stops and strategy in deciding the outcome of the race.
Verstappen now needs to win in Abu Dhabi and hope for Norris to finish off the podium to secure another championship, showcasing a remarkable turnaround in his season.
