Qatar GP: After the setback in Vegas, McLaren are under pressure

Some of you will remember the old saying. Not that long ago, in the early 2000s, people used to say that football was a sport played 11 against 11, and in the end, Germany would win.

In Formula 1, Max Verstappen may be making that line his own. While many believed he had fallen out of the title fight during the summer as McLaren dominated, the four-time reigning world champion is still very much alive.

Last weekend in Vegas, the gambling capital, the Belgian-born Dutchman turned the tables and went all-in, securing his sixth win of the season. All this while his two main rivals were disqualified. With the suspense at its peak, Golden Vegas Sport breaks down all the key stakes of the penultimate round of the season in Qatar.

McLaren’s unbelievable mistake

But first, let’s look back at the crazy Grand Prix we witnessed in the United States. Even though Verstappen won as he did in Italy, nothing suggested such a disaster was coming for Norris, the championship leader, and Piastri.

The two cars from the leading team in the constructors’ standings finished second and fourth. A good result considering their advantage, especially since we wrote after Brazil that the title would come down to the two of them. Except both drivers were disqualified for non-compliant plank wear, just as Ferrari experienced in China in 2020.

In simpler terms, their cars were lighter than they should have been. Verstappen therefore hit the jackpot, closing the gap to 24 points. Will he manage, as early as Saturday evening in Qatar, to put even more pressure on by taking pole? Whether in our physical venues or on our online platform, the Belgian-born star remains the favourite.

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: 29 November at 8:30 PM.

Unlike McLaren, Verstappen must win

After this incredible mistake, which confirms that the British team has been doing everything worse since the Singapore round, the moment called for redemption. And although they defended themselves before the FIA in an attempt to overturn the penalty, the team bosses failed in their mission and had to deliver their own self-criticism.

"We apologise to Lando [Norris] and Oscar [Piastri] for the loss of points today, at such a critical moment in their championship after two solid performances throughout the weekend," said team principal Andrea Stella. The problem is that the damage is done. And the pressure around their paddock has become suffocating, while their misadventures — which you’ve been following on our blog for months — continue to fascinate us.

But who will win the penultimate round of the season? If he wants to claim a fifth world crown, Verstappen has no choice but to win. In terms of odds, he is slightly ahead (2.20), with Norris just behind (2.70). But if you place a live bet this Sunday, things could change — and you may be able to take advantage of it.

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: 30 November at 5 PM.

Norris crowned as early as Sunday?

While the Formula 1 microcosm is in turmoil — and rightly so, with two Grands Prix and a sprint to go — Norris needs to keep things in perspective and race responsibly, unlike some of his sporting decision-makers. The 26-year-old holds a 24-point lead over his teammate and over Verstappen. He could even secure the first title of his career as early as Sunday.

A win in Qatar would guarantee him the championship. But Verstappen, winner of the 69th Grand Prix of his career in Vegas, wants to take advantage of his relaxed mindset to stay sharp and get further into his rival’s head.

"I'm having fun and trying to win. That's all I need to do," he smiled in Sin City. If you want to bet safely, then back Norris for the world title. But the higher-value odds are undoubtedly on the Dutchman.

Odds are subject to change. Event ends: 30 November at 5 PM.

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