McLaren chief executive Zak Brown says his team needs to tune out the ever-present threat of Max Verstappen as the title fight heads into its final rounds. With two events remaining, Verstappen remains a dangerous competitor despite starting Saturday’s Qatar Sprint from sixth and sitting 24 points behind Lando Norris.
Verstappen put together a remarkable recovery after being 104 points adrift of Oscar Piastri following August’s Dutch Grand Prix, and he can still be in contention for the season finale in Abu Dhabi if his deficit is reduced to fewer than 26 points. Brown compared Verstappen to the classic horror-movie figure who seems defeated only to reappear stronger, stressing that McLaren can’t control what the Red Bull driver does and must focus on maximizing its own performance. His objective, Brown said, is straightforward: secure the front row and aim for a one-two so there’s less to worry about from Verstappen — easier said than done.
Verstappen himself suggested to PA that, had he been driving McLaren’s 2025-spec car this season, he would likely have clinched the drivers’ title long ago, pointing to McLaren’s strong form and early constructors’ win.
The Red Bull driver’s weekend has had mixed signals: he was outqualified by teammate Yuki Tsunoda for only the second time this year, and reported bouncing and handling issues after Friday running. Verstappen warned the Sprint could be more about survival and setup changes than outright fun.
Norris’s Sprint start was also compromised — he will begin behind George Russell and Sprint pole-sitter Oscar Piastri after a final flying lap disrupted by traffic and a wide run at the last corner. Norris admitted overtaking is difficult at Lusail and expects a fight for third to be a realistic result, with passing on the line his best hope.
Piastri, who claimed Sprint pole, believes the car had pace all day and that adjustments overnight could help McLaren aim for the front in the Sprint and set up well for Sunday’s Grand Prix. With the season-ending triple header under way at Lusail, every position and point over the remaining rounds could prove decisive.