How massive is the specter of Ferrari to McLaren within the constructors’ championship? – Daphne
McLaren are 36 factors forward of Ferrari heading into the ultimate three races of the season, which begin with Las Vegas on 21-23 November, adopted by Qatar and Abu Dhabi on the following two weekends.
That is a good lead, sufficient that if McLaren carry out nicely in Las Vegas and Qatar, they may seal the title earlier than the ultimate race of the season.
However as a result of each automobiles rating within the constructors’ championship, it’s undoubtedly winnable for Ferrari.
There are a complete of 44 factors obtainable on a standard weekend, as Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi are, and 52 on the Qatar dash weekend – so 140 on the desk in complete.
On paper, Las Vegas favours Ferrari – it’s the type of monitor on which they’ve been robust this 12 months. A road circuit, with predominantly sluggish corners, with some massive braking down from excessive velocity.
This emphasises Ferrari’s strengths and doesn’t play to McLaren’s. Consider Ferrari’s tempo in Monaco, Monza, Baku, Singapore and Mexico.
Qatar, although, is predicted to favour McLaren – and Ferrari are slightly anxious about their potential tempo there.
However the high three groups are all intently matched, so it is onerous to foretell how issues will go.
Consider Singapore, for instance, the place Charles Leclerc actually ought to have certified on the entrance row for Ferrari, however made a mistake on his qualifying lap.
Or Baku, the place once more Leclerc-Ferrari was in all probability the quickest driver-car mixture however McLaren executed a very good technique to carry Oscar Piastri into vary, and the Australian obtained forward with a superb late overtaking dive, holding on to win beneath intense stress.
And what can be Crimson Bull’s tempo within the dry after a robust exhibiting within the US, however a disappointing weekend in Mexico?
In brief, McLaren have a lead massive sufficient to make them favourites, nevertheless it’s much more open than the drivers’ championship, the place Max Verstappen can clinch the title in Las Vegas if he beats Lando Norris, and in some ending combos even when he doesn’t.
