Photo: Race Pictures

'Verstappen is using mind games simply aimed at the McLaren boys'

09:26, 03 Dec

byTobia Elia

Martin Brundle explained how Max Verstappen is using mind games to his advantage in the title fight against the two McLaren drivers.

"He's a hard wired winning machine that way and that's because he really wants this championship badly"

- Martin Brundle

The former F1 driver, in his column for Sky Sports, revealed that he spoke with the Dutchman on the grid both before and after the Qatar race, noting that on both occasions Verstappen appeared relaxed and seemingly unconcerned about the championship.

"On the grid Max told me he was very chilled and doesn't get nervous at all these days. Post race he told me that he doesn't care about the championship. That's simply mind games aimed at the McLaren boys," he said.

"We know how vociferous Max gets with his team when the car is not right, or with other drivers or circumstances on track, he's a hard wired winning machine that way and that's because he really wants this championship badly, it will be one of his finest, if not the best one yet."

Max Verstappen still has a realistic shot at the world title - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Brundle still sees Norris as the favorite for the title despite his lead now being razor-thin, but if both he and the team avoid mistakes this time, not even a flying Verstappen could stop him.

"Norris still has the 12 points advantage, and with the best car on the track, and driving for the team which has dominated this championship, if they can all stay calm and methodically, almost boringly, deliver a standard Grand Prix, he should take it."

Verstappen has forced Stella to consider breaking cardinal papaya rule

Throughout the season, McLaren has maintained the principle of fair treatment and equal opportunities for both drivers, even when one was clearly ahead in the standings and even as Verstappen surged back into the title fight.

With just a twelve-point lead and Verstappen now more of a threat than ever, the Papaya team could face a situation in Abu Dhabi where it might have to make a choice and sacrifice one driver if circumstances demand it.

Here’s what Andrea Stella had to say about the possibility of issuing team orders at the decisive stage of the season.

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