McLaren admits potential weakness: Verstappen is back 'in capitals'
Photo: RacePictures.
Updated: 20:04, 23 Sep 2025
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McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella reaffirms Max Verstappen's return to the title fight, and goes as far as to say it could be written "in capital letters."
Photo: RacePictures
Therefore, yes, Verstappen and Red Bull in contention for the drivers' championship.- Andrea Stella
Is Max Verstappen back in the championship fight? Following the Dutchman's pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Stella said: "A firm YES. Can you write it in capitals? Because it was quoted in capitals."
Stella is well aware of the caliber of Verstappen in a potential title fight tussle.
"We don't have to forget that first of all he's Max Verstappen - world champion for the last four years - in a fast car."
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The Italian Team Principal then highlighted that McLaren may yet again suffer from a sporting perspective in some of the remaining seven Grands Prix.
"Like I said before, there are races where McLaren may not enjoy any advantage from a competitiveness point of view.
"And Lando and Oscar are always there, so they won't necessarily be maximising the points available.
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Given the intrateam battle Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are carrying out for the title, the danger becomes even greater then, since they could take points off each other.
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"Sometimes it will be a little bit more points for Lando and a little bit more for Oscar, so they may take some points away from each other.
"We are very aware of this aspect, but we let them race because they both deserve to pursue their aspirations.
With both McLaren drivers fighting each other for the title, then Verstappen could pick up the scraps, which could make the difference come the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
"Therefore, yes, Verstappen and Red Bull in contention for the drivers' championship," the McLaren Team Principal concluded.
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Mixed opinions at McLaren
Whilst Stella has reaffirmed Verstappen's threat to Piastri and Norris in the fight for the title, the Australian has recently downplayed the Dutchman's potential involvement in the championship.
As for Verstappen himself, he remains coy regarding a late charge for the title.
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Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Overview
Thursday 24.09.26
Practice 1
08:30 AM
Practice 2
12:00 PM
Friday 25.09.26
Practice 3
08:30 AM
Qualification
12:00 PM
Saturday 26.09.26
Race
11:00 AM
Thursday 24.09.26
Practice 1
Thu 08:30 AM
Practice 2
Thu 12:00 PM
Friday 25.09.26
Practice 3
Fri 08:30 AM
Qualification
Fri 12:00 PM
Saturday 26.09.26
Race
Sat 11:00 AM
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 292 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 211 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 191 | |
4 | McLarenMCL | 186 | |
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6 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 145 | |
7 | McLarenMCL | 120 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 71 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 59 | |
10 | AlpineALP | 41 |
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