BAKU, Azerbaijan – The air in the Formula 1 paddock often hums with anticipation, but after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, it carried a distinct, unsettling melody. A familiar tune, perhaps, to those who recall the classic thriller: the ominous, low thrum of the `Jaws` theme, slowly but surely raising in volume. The shark, in this metaphor, is none other than Max Verstappen, and McLaren, despite their championship lead, suddenly finds itself feeling a ripple of unease.
Verstappen`s performance in Baku was, by all accounts, a masterclass. Pole position, fastest lap, and a dominant race victory – a flawless execution that has become the Dutchman`s unsettling signature. This was not just another win; it was a statement. A declaration that even a 69-point deficit to championship leader Oscar Piastri, or 44 points to Lando Norris, might not be the insurmountable mountain it appears on paper.
McLaren`s Stumble: A Weekend of Missed Opportunities
Contrast Verstappen’s impeccable weekend with McLaren`s uncharacteristic display, and the “Jaws” analogy gains sharper teeth. What transpired in Baku for the Woking-based squad was a cascade of errors and missed opportunities. Oscar Piastri, who has largely been a picture of consistency, found himself off track not once, but twice – crashing out of qualifying and then again on the opening lap of the race. A stark, uncharacteristic fumble from a championship leader.
Lando Norris, Piastri’s teammate and fellow title contender, didn`t fare much better in terms of seizing the moment. Despite the chaos, golden opportunities to significantly chip away at Piastri`s lead seemed to slip through his grasp on both Saturday and Sunday. Adding insult to injury, the team`s pit stops were notably sluggish, a critical misstep for the second consecutive race. This was not the McLaren that has dominated much of the season; this was a team showing alarming cracks under pressure.
It was enough for McLaren team principal Andrea Stella to make a bold, almost defiant declaration: “Definitely, Max is in contention for the drivers` championship.” This statement, initially made when Verstappen trailed by 94 points, was reiterated with conviction after Baku. An open acknowledgment, perhaps designed to galvanize his team, or perhaps a genuine recognition of a formidable threat.
The Math and the Mystique of Max
On paper, the numbers still lean heavily against Verstappen. Winning 25 points per race, a 69-point gap with seven races remaining is substantial. Yet, Verstappen has already slashed 35 points from Piastri`s lead in just two races. His skepticism is understandable – “Basically everything needs to go perfect from my side, and then a bit of luck from there from their side I need as well,” he noted. But F1 has seen this movie before.
The aura around Verstappen is unique. Rivals speak of him as if he operates on a different plane. His ability to extract maximum performance, even from cars perceived to be challenging, has become legendary. When a driver has an undisputed track record of championship comebacks and record-breaking victory streaks – like his 10-race run in 2023 – “impossible” starts to sound less like a fact and more like a challenge. He is the ultimate wild card, a talent capable of shifting the entire dynamic of a season in a blink.
McLaren`s Fragility: A New Chapter?
More concerning for McLaren, perhaps, is what Stella`s comments imply about his own team`s perceived fragility. After a season of internal drama – pit stop fiascos, inter-team collisions, and the constant balancing act of fairness between two ambitious drivers – the external pressure from a resurgent Red Bull and a relentless Verstappen has arrived. Baku felt like a significant pressure test, and McLaren`s response left questions hanging in the air.
Piastri`s calm demeanor post-race, despite his errors, was notable. Stella, drawing parallels to legends like Michael Schumacher, argued that such “one-off” weekends are part of any champion`s journey. While true that no one is flawless, the timing and context amplify every misstep. The crucial difference is that the man now circling with renewed vigor, Verstappen, is often as close to flawless as F1 gets.
Singapore: The Ultimate Benchmark
The strategic advantage for Verstappen is also clear: while Piastri and Norris will continue to battle each other, potentially trading points, Verstappen benefits from a clear hierarchy at Red Bull. With the team`s recent aerodynamic upgrades, particularly the new floor introduced at Monza, the car appears to have taken a significant leap forward.
All eyes now turn to Singapore. Marina Bay is a circuit where Verstappen has famously never won, a “bogey track” for Red Bull, historically. Red Bull Racing adviser Helmut Marko’s words echo the collective sentiment: “If we are competitive in Singapore, then maybe we can start dreaming.” The hot, high-downforce demands of the street circuit will provide a true benchmark. If Verstappen triumphs there, the faint target on McLaren`s back will undoubtedly become bolder, and the `Jaws` theme will be impossible to ignore.
McLaren had arrived in Baku with hopes of securing the constructors` championship, a testament to their incredible season. They leave with that goal still pending, but with a far more immediate concern: a champion, renowned for his ability to become unbeatable, now seemingly on the ascendancy. Singapore is not just the next race; it is a critical juncture that could redefine the 2025 Formula 1 championship narrative.
