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The pressure is mounting on Max Verstappen. As Formula 1 heads to Brazil, the reigning champion faces a decisive weekend in his pursuit of a fifth world title. With Lando Norris now leading the standings, Ralf Schumacher believes Verstappen’s margin for error has vanished. “It has to happen now,” the German said, warning that the title could slip away if the Red Bull driver doesn’t strike back at Interlagos.
A mountain to climb in the title race
After the Mexican Grand Prix, Verstappen trails Norris by 36 points, with only four rounds remaining. To defend his crown, he must claw back an average of nine points per weekend. That makes the São Paulo Sprint weekend especially crucial: instead of the usual 25 points for a win, 33 are up for grabs across the Sprint and main race.
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“It’s absolutely crucial,” Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. “He needs to close the gap now and maybe he’ll need a little help to do it.” The former F1 driver still believes Verstappen can turn it around, but admits the momentum has shifted. “Who would have thought Norris would come back like this? He looked mentally shaky earlier in the season, especially after that retirement in Zandvoort. But he’s regrouped. The fight is open again.”
Why Interlagos could be Verstappen’s turning point
Despite Red Bull’s struggles in Mexico, Schumacher thinks Interlagos could be fertile ground for a comeback. “The car wasn’t perfect last week, but Max was incredibly strong in the second stint on softs. If he carries that form into Brazil, he can win,” he said.
A victory in São Paulo would pull Verstappen back into contention before the final stretch in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. But Schumacher warns that the Red Bull RB20’s strengths are track-dependent. “They’re less comfortable on street circuits and in colder temperatures,” he noted. “Vegas will be tricky because it’s a night race. The tires don’t like those conditions. Warm, flowing tracks like Brazil suit them better.”
All or nothing for Verstappen
Schumacher believes Red Bull still has the speed to match McLaren on most circuits, but execution will be decisive. “It’s all about perfection now. Max can’t afford a single mistake,” he said. “He’s been flawless most of the year, but that’s exactly what he’ll need to stay in the title fight.”
In short, Brazil could define the championship. A win keeps the dream alive; a slip could end it. Verstappen has done it before at Interlagos, storming from 18th to victory in one of his greatest drives last season. Now, history may demand something similar.
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