McLaren’s title destiny is still in their hands – but it’s game on for Max Verstappen

When Max Verstappen stood on the Zandvoort podium in second, fresh from the summer break and in front of his home fans, the Dutchman felt like the result was a “really good achievement” for his Red Bull team.

It was the first time he had been on a Grand Prix podium since Canada back in June – and while he had a Sprint win to his name in Belgium during that period – as he left the Netherlands 104 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, there was an increasing feeling that a fifth title in a row would be a step too far, even for a driver of his immense talent.

But since that day in Zandvoort, Verstappen has won three of the last four Grands Prix – and finished second in the other. As he ticked each of those achievements off, he wasn’t keen to entertain any chat about his title chances.