Verstappen in sight of top spot: former driver sees a potential victory in Austria

Two weeks ago, Max Verstappen could cut the gap to the McLaren drivers after he finished two positions ahead of Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris did not finish.

He is currently 43 points behind the Australian driver in the standings, but according to another former driver, Martin Brundle, he is not out of the title fight.

In Austria, Verstappen can aim for his third win of the season. The Dutchman has also won on the most occasions at the Spielberg circuit, five times in total.

Van Lennep is confident Verstappen can secure a good result and believes even a victory is possible. "I think it's going quite well, he likes the circuit, then he can show what he's worth. The car will be a bit better too, we all hope. Then it wouldn't be surprising if he wins again."

Can Verstappen cross the finish line in first place? Van Lennep continued: "It could happen, with a bit of luck, with safety cars."

Before two points will come off his super license after the Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen is still a single point away from getting suspended.

Verstappen will therefore be more cautious Van Lennep says, but that doesn't lessen his chances of winning.

"I think he'll definitely be careful, because he usually doesn't do crazy things. He has had some issues, the last time was too much (referring to the Russell incident). He has apologized for that. He was just a bit cranky. Max never does 'calm,' but he does adhere to the rules which he knows exceptionally well. Only, sometimes he goes just over the line with his mates, and now he will not do that," the former 24 hours of Le Mans winner concluded.