Verstappen facing the 'least pressure' in title clash.

      Formula 1 approaches its final two grands prix, including a sprint race in Qatar this weekend, with the championship now unexpectedly wide open and tensions escalating at McLaren following Max Verstappen's victory in Las Vegas and the team's costly double disqualification.

      George Russell of Mercedes cautioned that the Losail circuit is likely to favor Red Bull, potentially shifting the momentum further in Verstappen’s direction. "It’s a Red Bull track," he remarked. "Fast corners suit them well, as they've already demonstrated at Suzuka and Silverstone."

      Nevertheless, McLaren is confident that the outcome will shift back in their favor during the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Team principal Andrea Stella asserted, "The Abu Dhabi circuit plays to our strengths once again."

      Before anything else, McLaren must ensure their floor adheres to regulations after their recent issues. Former driver Alex Wurz expressed to ORF that he wasn’t caught off guard by the FIA's swift inspections in Las Vegas. "There were already whispers in Brazil about multiple teams approaching the FIA regarding how some cars with such low ride heights passed scrutineering," he explained. "I was surprised at how promptly the FIA checked the McLaren cars.

      "Maybe they received information from other teams? Or perhaps they wanted to measure while the cars were still hot? But those are just speculations." He dismissed claims that the disqualifications were aimed at artificially tightening the title fight. "In Formula 1, every detail counts. Every millimeter matters. McLaren crossed the line and faced disqualification. We’ve seen this before, most recently with Ferrari. There's nothing more to discuss. If the plank is worn beyond acceptable limits, the car is disqualified."

      It is evident that this decision has altered the championship landscape. Wurz clarified, "Lando Norris suffered the most, while Piastri even gained a bit. Without the disqualification, Piastri would have been 30 points behind his teammate; now it's only 24. The real winners were the fans. We are in for an incredible finale. Max Verstappen’s chances, which once seemed slim, have greatly increased, and in Qatar, he will have a car capable of winning."

      F1 icon Jean Alesi echoed this sentiment. "A sensational mistake at this point in the championship," he told Formula Passion regarding the McLaren disqualification. "However, it also presents a gift for all motorsport enthusiasts. We are set for a thrilling season finale, with a title contender in Max Verstappen who is in a position to achieve something historic. He’s respected even by those who may not be his fans."

      Speculation persists regarding whether Red Bull alerted the FIA about McLaren's floor setup in Las Vegas, especially after McLaren questioned Verstappen’s 'free' new engine at Interlagos. Red Bull’s Paul Monaghan admitted after Brazil that McLaren’s inquiry was "like someone throwing a grenade in," noting that Red Bull would have done the same in a reverse scenario.

      F1 legend Hans-Joachim Stuck believes the championship now firmly favors Verstappen. "Watching what Max is doing, I think he will catch up," the 74-year-old told Servus TV. "The way he’s pushing the limits and making so few mistakes is impressive.

      "Max is under the least pressure, and he can give it everything he's got. I believe he can do it. But so much can happen; the outcome is unpredictable. It’s been a long time since there has been something this exhilarating."