The Formula 1 title race is heating up, and one driver's relentless comeback is sending shivers down the spines of his rivals. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has likened Max Verstappen to a character straight out of a horror movie—the kind you think is defeated, only to realize he’s still lurking in the shadows, ready to strike. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite Verstappen’s 24-point deficit to championship leader Lando Norris, Brown insists McLaren must ignore the Red Bull driver’s threat. Is this a bold strategy or a risky oversight?
Verstappen, starting sixth in Saturday’s Sprint at the Qatar Grand Prix (live on Sky Sports F1 at 2pm), has clawed his way back into contention after trailing Oscar Piastri by a staggering 104 points post-August’s Dutch Grand Prix. Mathematically, he remains in the hunt as long as his deficit to Norris stays under 26 points heading into the Abu Dhabi finale. But can McLaren afford to brush off such a formidable opponent?
Brown’s take? “He’s like that guy in the horror movie who you think is down, and then suddenly it’s, ‘Where did he come from?!’” he told Sky Sports F1. “He’s an immense talent, as good as anyone we’ve ever seen. We have to ignore him—we can’t control what he does.” McLaren’s focus? Securing a front-row lockout with Norris and Piastri, finishing first and second, and leaving Verstappen in the dust. Easier said than done, right?
And this is the part most people miss: Verstappen himself boldly claimed he would have “easily” clinched the Drivers’ Championship if he were behind the wheel of McLaren’s 2025 car. “We wouldn’t be talking about a championship,” the four-time world champion stated matter-of-factly. Is he overconfident, or does he have a point?
Meanwhile, Norris faces his own challenges. After a messy qualifying session, he’ll start behind George Russell and Sprint pole-sitter Piastri. “I’d be stupid not to try and win,” Norris admitted, “but overtaking here is nearly impossible. Finishing P3 is probably the best I can hope for.” Piastri, however, sees an opportunity to close the gap, starting with Saturday’s Sprint. Can he capitalize, or will Verstappen’s horror-movie comeback steal the show?
Controversial question for you: Is McLaren underestimating Verstappen by choosing to ignore him, or is this the only way to stay focused on their own race? Let us know in the comments!
For those eager to catch all the action, here’s how to watch:
- Stream every F1 race with NOW (no contract, cancel anytime) [link]
- Qatar GP schedule and viewing details [link]
- F1 title race permutations [link]
- Full F1 2025 race schedule [link]
Don’t miss the Qatar GP Sprint weekend live on Sky Sports F1, starting Friday. Will Verstappen’s horror-movie resurgence continue, or will McLaren’s strategy pay off? Tune in to find out!
