Verstappen’s F1 Title Hopes May Depend on Mercedes in Las Vegas
Max Verstappen‘s championship hopes could get a major boost from an unexpected ally – Mercedes – according to F1 analyst Jolyon Palmer.
The three-time world champion now sits just 36 points behind Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings with four races left.
“I think it’s still just about in his hands,” Palmer said on the F1 Nation podcast.
Mexico was tough for Verstappen. While he closed the gap to Oscar Piastri, Norris actually extended his championship lead.
But Brazil could change everything.
“If he wins in Brazil, I think it will be in the balance. If he can win there, the gap will be less than 30,” Palmer explained.
Then comes Vegas – where Mercedes could accidentally become Verstappen’s biggest helper.
“Vegas is going to be the big opportunity where you’ve got Mercedes, who will be quick. They’re always quick in Vegas,” Palmer pointed out.
Last year George Russell took the win in Nevada while McLaren struggled with pace.
“Ferrari is a wild card. McLaren could easily end up being sixth and seventh. That’ll be the opportunity for Max to get 15 points out of the McLarens in Vegas.”
If Verstappen can shrink the gap significantly over these next two races, the pressure shifts entirely to McLaren.
And that’s where things could get interesting.
Palmer believes McLaren’s commitment to fair racing between their two drivers might actually work against them. If both Norris and Piastri are still fighting each other while Verstappen focuses solely on catching up, it creates an opening.
“We’ve seen so many strange things in season finales where, especially a team like McLaren, if they’ve got two drivers in the fight by then, start to jeopardize themselves by trying to do all this fairness talk,” he said.
The season finale in Abu Dhabi has historically produced unexpected results. That’s exactly what Verstappen needs.
“It’s the chance for Max to do something special from a little bit further back. So probably it’s in his hands to get close. Let’s say that, and then anything can happen at the end,” Palmer concluded.
## Russell Never Doubted Mercedes Deal Would Happen
George Russell has dismissed media speculation about his contract extension with Mercedes, saying he never had any doubts about staying with the team despite the delayed announcement.
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