While the McLarens seemed in a strong position in Brazil, the course of the Grand Prix in the rain turned in favor of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris' hopes soared for the title…
Despite a good pole position and a success in the Sprint at Interlagos thanks to the team instructions respected by his teammate Oscar Piastri, the Briton returned from Sao Paulo with practically no chance of claiming the drivers' championship again.
Verstappen is 62 points ahead and could be crowned at the next Grand Prix in Las Vegas because Norris must be able to take more than 20 points from him per race to maintain a semblance of suspense, in other words mission impossible.
The Red Flag Gamble
The English driver missed his start again by letting George Russell take the lead of the race before sinking in the rain, unable to keep up with the pace of Verstappen and even the Alpine or the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc in front of him under the checkered flag.
“Max drove well and he was lucky with the free tire change, Lando admitted, a little frustrated.
It was a road flag gamble that paid off: it's not talent, it's just luck.”
McLaren concedes defeat
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella showed more fair play by almost admitting defeat in the World Drivers' Championship
“For the championship, belief always depends on the arithmetic situationrecalls the Italian engineer. But it is clear that Max has given a strong signal. It is also a reminder of his strength. We have always recognized his qualities.”
Bravo Alpine
“He is a three-time world champion who is on his way to his fourth title, he notes, admitting helplessness.
It is fully deserved. But while we still have a theoretical chance, we will try to make it more difficult for him to win his fourth title.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Max on a really very strong and impressive race, starting from the back of the grid, and also Alpine, they did a good job, he concludes. They deserve to be on the podium. Well done to them.”
If McLaren will concentrate on the constructors' championship, it is a safe bet that Oscar Piastri will no longer be asked to swap positions with Norris during the last three Grands Prix.
