Overview
- Max Verstappen has won three of the last four races, sweeping Austin, to sit about 40 points behind leader Oscar Piastri as Lando Norris trails by 14.
- McLaren confirmed no further upgrades this season, citing a shift of resources, after already securing the constructors’ championship.
- Red Bull figures signalled more performance to come, with Helmut Marko teasing a potential new ‘trick’ following gains linked to a Monza floor update.
- Mexico City is viewed as favourable territory for Verstappen, who has five wins there, and McLaren’s Andrea Stella did not list the venue among tracks that suit their car.
- Pundits and fans are debating whether McLaren should back one driver, as recent operational slips and Ferrari and Mercedes form threaten to siphon points in a four-team fight.