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Max Verstappen still has a mathematical chance of winning the Formula 1 world title, but he faces a huge deficit to championship leader Lando Norris. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admits the battle looks grim and openly says that Verstappen now must hope for misfortune, or even a crash, for Norris.
Verstappen has been in excellent form during the second half of the season. Since the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, he has finished on the podium at every race, winning in Monza, Baku and Austin. He gained ground thanks to incidents and problems for both Norris and Oscar Piastri, briefly reviving talk of a surprise title comeback.
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But in the last two Grands Prix, Verstappen’s deficit has grown again. Red Bull took a wrong direction in Mexico and Brazil, and Verstappen struggled throughout both weekends. His charge to third place from the pit lane at Interlagos was spectacular, but he still trails Norris by 49 points with three Grands Prix and one Sprint to go.
“Norris Has to Crash”
Marko is realistic about the situation. In his Speedweek column, the Austrian wrote: “We are still 49 points behind Norris, with three Grands Prix and one Sprint race to go. Something really needs to happen to Norris to keep Max’s title chances alive. Otherwise, we genuinely have no chance. That means Lando has to retire once, or there has to be a collision.”
Marko Stays Positive
Despite the setback, Marko tries to remain upbeat. “Of course we are not happy about this gap, but the positive thing is that we managed to turn the tide during the season so dramatically that we suddenly found ourselves back in the title fight. The overall situation is still positive for us.”
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