Oct.19 (GMM) Max Verstappen’s charge back into title contention is forcing McLaren to confront a growing internal dilemma – whether to let Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue fighting freely, or impose team orders as the stakes rise.
The tension has been building for some time, now culminating in McLaren’s chaotic sprint race double-DNF in Austin – which left Red Bull and Verstappen sensing weakness.
“They’re under pressure, of course,” Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko told Viaplay. “They can’t win the easy way anymore.
“We’ll keep pushing. We’re making them nervous, and that seems to be working.”
Sky Deutschland’s Timo Glock agreed that McLaren’s management now faces its biggest challenge of the season. “These are all issues they have to deal with now,” he said. “And Max Verstappen is only concerned with annoying them.”
Inside McLaren, both the pressure and the parallels are clear. Team CEO Zak Brown acknowledged that the current scenario bears resemblance to the infamous 2007 campaign, when McLaren’s own title duel between Fernando Alonso and rookie Lewis Hamilton allowed Kimi Raikkonen to snatch the championship at the eleventh hour.
“Repeat 2007? It’s a risk, yes,” Brown said.
“If you have two drivers like in 2007, when they were tied on points and Kimi was just ahead at the end of the season – but that’s just how McLaren wants to race. We want two drivers capable of winning the championship.
“On the other hand, if you split the drivers into number 1 and number 2, it jeopardises your participation in the Constructors’ Championship. It’s a difficult sport. We’re racing. We want to race. Our desire is to give both drivers a chance to win the title, and that comes with a certain risk, like in 2007.
“But we’re all aware of that and prepared for the possibility it could lead to a similar outcome.”
Brown also admitted Verstappen’s recent resurgence has made the equation more complex. “I think the situation we’re in now is that Max is too close for comfort,” he said. “We saw what happened in the Netherlands – how quickly things can change. So we’re just focused on this weekend, and we’ll continue to evaluate the results race by race.”
Team principal Andrea Stella struck a more measured tone, saying the team remains focused on performance rather than hierarchy. “We see that Verstappen and Red Bull currently have the best package,” he said. “It took a while for both our drivers to get into the rhythm in qualifying. But that’s not discouraging us.
“We know we can have a good race in these hot temperatures due to tyre degradation. We’re looking forward to racing tomorrow.”
Marko, meanwhile, says Verstappen’s revived motivation has added a dangerous new dimension to the fight. “When we weren’t competitive, Max lost a bit of interest,” he revealed. “He was more into racing GT cars, and to keep him in a good mood, I talked to him about the Nurburgring. But now that the car is working – and he’s had success there – his motivation already adds a couple of tenths.
“He’s enjoying himself, smiling again – and that’s exactly what’s needed. It’s too early to talk about a return to title contention, but this weekend looks promising.”
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES