Toto Wolff believes Max Verstappen is with the psychological advantage over the McLarens - Photo: RacePictures.

Wolff: Verstappen holds key advantage over McLaren drivers

10:32, 22 Oct

Updated: 10:52, 22 Oct

bySamson Ero

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff believes Max Verstappen has the psychological advantage over both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris as the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship battle heats up.

“The underdog always has a little bit of an easier psychological advantage because of the probability.”

- Toto Wolff

The Mercedes team boss, who spoke to GPblog, recounted how he had experienced a similar scenario with former Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel before adding that the psychological edge is tilted towards Verstappen due to the odds being against him.

“I’ve been in a similar situation with two drivers fighting for a championship, and the threat of another one catching up. Back in the day, it was Max, I believe, and then it was Sebastian [Vettel] in that hunt.”

“The underdog always has a little bit of an easier psychological advantage because of the probability. The odds are definitely against Max. If you look at the probability, that’s very low, one DNF can change everything, and I think that affects the driving as well.”

Max Verstappen in Austin - Photo: Race Pictures

“How aggressive can you actually go for an overtake? You can see Lando [Norris] today; he managed it at the end, but at times it was tricky to decide whether to keep your nose in or not.”

Verstappen further staked his claim for a fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship with victories in both the Sprint and Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. The Red Bull Racing driver cut the gap to championship leader Piastri to 40 points, with five races and two Sprints remaining on the 2025 calendar.

Toto Wolff praises Verstappen

Wolff also lauded Verstappen after his victory at the United States Grand Prix. The Mercedes team principal highlighted how impressive the 28-year-old’s performance in the championship fight has been.

Wolff further stated he could hardly see any driver replicating the performance of the Red Bull Racing star.

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