After a three-week break, Formula 1 is set to return to action next week with the United States Grand Prix.
And with six race weekends left, everything is on the line.
McLaren has taken the lead in the F1 Constructors’ title race, where they lead Red Bull by 41 points. Ferrari sits in third place in the Constructors’ Championship standings, where they trail McLaren by 75 points, and Red Bull by 34 points.
In the Drivers’ Championship, Max Verstappen leads Lando Norris by 52 points. That might seem insurmountable — even with six Grands Prix and three F1 Sprint Races left — but at least one F1 personality believes Norris will close the gap.
Guenther Steiner.
The former Haas team boss spoke with Sky Sports F1 recently while promoting his new book, Unfiltered: My Incredible Decade in Formula 1. During that discussion, Steiner handicapped the title race.
“In my opinion Lando is in a better position than Max. 60:40 for me,” Steiner said. “Lando needs a little help from Ferrari. If they can get in between McLaren and Red Bull, they’ll steal a few points from Red Bull. I think Lando would like it if Ferrari does that!”
Steiner also tapped McLaren to hold onto the Constructors’ Championship.
“Now it’s not so easy [for Red Bull] anymore, there is pressure,” Steiner added. “Will they win the Championship this year? I do not think so. I think McLaren will win it.”
Steiner’s comments about Red Bull facing pressure mirror comments made by Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur following the Miami Grand Prix, which was Norris’ maiden F1 victory. Speaking to the media, including SB Nation, in the Ferrari hospitality space after that race Vasseur noted that teams like McLaren and Ferrari were able to put pressure on Red Bull this season, unlike last year.
In Steiner’s mind, that might be enough to see Norris, and McLaren, through to both titles.
SB Nation will be in Austin all week for next week’s United States Grand Prix, so check back early and often as the F1 season roars back to life.
