P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has a strong lead in the drivers’ championship after 14 rounds but has faced increased pressure from McLaren this year.
Max Verstappen stated that he views McLaren as a serious threat in the battle for the F1 championship this season, acknowledging McLaren’s consistent performance and two race wins. Verstappen currently maintains a 78-point lead over Lando Norris in the drivers’ championship, while McLaren trails Red Bull by just 42 points in the constructors’ standings. The Woking-based team has been a significant obstacle this season as it aims for its first F1 title since 2008. Verstappen emphasized the importance of Red Bull focusing on their own performance rather than getting caught up in a development race with McLaren and Mercedes. While keeping the championship in mind, Verstappen stressed the need to prioritize optimizing the car’s performance before anything else.
