McLaren boss Andrea Stella believes Max Verstappen can still fight for the Formula 1 world title.
The Dutchman is almost 100 points behind Oscar Piastri, but Stella says Red Bull has found new pace. He repeated his view after Verstappen claimed a second straight pole position in Baku.
Verstappen stayed calm in a chaotic qualifying session. He beat Williams driver Carlos Sainz to pole while other front-runners made mistakes. Piastri crashed at Turn 4, and Lando Norris lost control at Turn 15. Norris will start seventh, Piastri ninth.
That leaves Verstappen as favourite to win again. A few months ago this looked impossible. Red Bull struggled badly in Hungary, but since Monza the team looks reborn. Verstappen crushed McLaren on race pace there, and Red Bull arrived with a new floor and different set-up.
Helmut Marko says the team can now fight on all tracks, not just low-downforce circuits. McLaren’s own review of Monza agrees. Stella admitted the team believes Red Bull’s improvement is real, not a one-off.
“They have unlocked performance,” he said. “Pole in Monza, a win, pole here. Red Bull are a very serious contender to win races and the championship.”
When asked if he truly meant that, Stella gave a clear answer. “A firm YES. Write it in capitals,” he joked.
Verstappen sits 94 points behind Piastri with 224 points still available. Stella noted that Norris and Piastri may take points from each other as McLaren lets them race freely.
“That could help Verstappen,” Stella said. “Therefore, yes, Red Bull and Verstappen are in contention for the championship.”
