Oscar Piastri at the United States GP - Photo: Race Pictures

International media sees drivers' title slipping away from McLaren

10:28, 20 Oct

Updated: 10:41, 20 Oct

byKada Sarkozi

Max Verstappen is back in the title fight as McLaren struggles — that’s the theme echoed across international media following the United States Grand Prix.

Verstappen won three out of the last four Grands Prix, and he is now just 40 points behind Oscar Piastri in the standings.

After both McLaren drivers crashed out in Saturday’s Sprint, Verstappen reduced the gap to the Australian by 23 points over last weekend.

International media also praised the Dutchman’s outstanding performance and noted how the title race now looks completely different.

MARCA - Spain

The Spanish newspaper saw Verstappen establish himself as a real title contender this weekend after his victory at the Circuit of the Americas.

They write: "Verstappen never left the top of the podium all weekend in the United States, sending a clear message to the McLaren drivers: the battle for the World Championship isn't a two-man race, but a three-man race."

The newspaper also pointed out the difficult weekend of Piastri. "It didn't go well for him, and his lead is now at 40 points. He had the title in Holland. The story has changed now."

Verstappen on the podium at COTA - Photo: Race Pictures

La Gazzetta dello Sport - Italy

The Italian newspaper also saw a similar story unfold at the United States Grand Prix: Verstappen cutting the gap while McLaren ran into trouble.

"From the Monza weekend, the tide of the World Championship has shifted, with the Dutchman in sensational form and a Red Bull technically reborn under the guidance of Laurent Mekies. At McLaren, on the other hand, something seems to have stalled, with the Woking-based team struggling for a few rounds to find the pace that allowed them to dominate for much of the season."

Esto - Mexico

The Mexican outlet saw the McLaren drivers to be "lethargic" after the United States GP.

"A few weeks ago, after winning the Constructors' Championship for having the best car of the current Formula 1 season, it seemed that McLaren could sweep the field and also take over the Drivers' Championship with ease. However, Red Bull's Max Verstappen has the last word and once again gave an extraordinary display in the United States to deal a blow to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who remain lethargic."

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