Brundle pictures worrying scenario for Verstappen after FP1 outcome

17:29, 07 Nov

Updated: 18:05, 07 Nov

byTobia Elia

Martin Brundle believes McLaren has reasserted itself as the dominant force, based on what was seen in FP1 in Brazil.

"If McLaren have good clean races, pit stops and reliability, Max has really got to do something a little bit special to say the least"

- Martin Brundle

Brundle highlighted a revitalised Oscar Piastri in FP1, who finished the session just behind his teammate after a string of challenging races: "Oscar has unquestionably gathered himself together. He looked like he’s back on his old form and settled into the track. It’s very close between him and Norris."

As for the title fight, the British driver sees a tough road ahead for Verstappen: "He’s got to put pressure on the two McLaren drivers. I think McLaren have the upper hand. It’s two against one, they’re 30-odd points clear, Max has got a lot of work to do.

"If McLaren have good clean races, pit stops and reliability, Max has really got to do something a little bit special to say the least. He could do that here. It’s very much advantage McLaren, but this is a strange place. If Max can close the gap and get into their heads rent free, then I think all bets are off for the rest of the championship."

Max Verstappen in Brazil - Image credit: Red Bull Content Pool

McLaren annihilates competition in FP1 as Red Bull struggle

McLaren shone in the only practice session, with Norris pulling off a last-minute push to edge past his teammate by a mere 0.023 seconds after spending most of the session in second place.

Red Bull had a tougher time, as Max Verstappen struggled to find his footing in the RB21 and had to cut short his only soft-tyre attempt.

Yuki Tsunoda also ran into trouble early, making contact with the barriers, but he managed to get back to the pits despite damage to both the front and rear wings. Read the full FP1 report here.

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