Max Verstappen shock title bid advantage highlighted by F1 champion

2009 F1 champion Jenson Button has detailed a key advantage Max Verstappen has in the ongoing battle for the drivers' title.

For much of the season, Verstappen has not been considered a factor in the championship fight amid a campaign largely controlled by McLaren.

Oscar Piastri holds the top spot in the standings with a 25-point lead over team-mate Lando Norris.

However, the Dutchman took two consecutive wins in Italy and Azerbaijan to bring himself to 69 points behind the championship lead with seven rounds to go.

Piastri endured his worst weekend of the year last time out in Baku following a crash in qualifying, a false start and a self-inflicted shunt into the barrier on the opening lap of the grand prix.

As the Australian looks to hold off the threat from Norris, who is also seeking his maiden F1 title, Button suggested the mental aspect of the fight is beginning to play a role in the battle.

“When you look back at Baku, the McLarens were still quick,” Button told Sky F1.

“It’s just the two drivers fighting for a world championship, [but] I think it's starting to take its toll.”

“It’s mentally so difficult when you fight for a world championship.”

Verstappen entered the current campaign having won the previous four F1 titles, a period during which he established himself as one of the most successful drivers in the sport's history.

Button highlighted the 28-year-old's extensive experience in a championship-winning position puts him in a stronger position than the McLaren duo.

“Then you've got Max, who's won four, just going out there having fun,” he said.

“It really shows the difference of having confidence in yourself, not thinking about what's going on around you, and just getting the job done.

“If he can do that here again, he's going to be fighting for that victory.”