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McLaren

McLaren drivers' title failure handed 'biggest surprise in F1 history' warning

McLaren has had one of its drivers at the top of the drivers' title all season, but will Max Verstappen beat them to the crown?

Mc Laren clash Sprint Austin
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Former F1 turned Formula E driver Lucas di Grassi believes Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri not winning the title would be "one of the biggest surprises" in history. 

Norris took the lead of the drivers' title by a point after converting pole position into victory with ease in the Mexico City GP. 

The Briton claimed victory by a staggering 30 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc in second, while Piastri was 42 seconds adrift in sixth.

Only Norris and Piastri have led the championship this season, with the latter's advantage over Max Verstappen having been 104 points after winning after the summer break in Zandvoort.

However, ahead of the final four races, Verstappen has whittled his deficit down to 36 points. 

Red Bull's new floor introduced in Monza has transformed the RB21, putting the Dutchman in serious contention of a record-equalling fifth consecutive drivers' title.

Despite Verstappen having won three of the last five races, he is the main driver in the title fight who cannot afford a bad race. 

Di Grassi, who raced for Virgin Racing in 2010, believes Verstappen does deserve the title, but that anything less than the drivers' crown for either Norris or Piastri would be a huge shock

Asked for his thoughts on the title fight, di Grassi told RacingNews365: "I'm not following F1 that much, but I've seen some of the races and some of the the fights. 

"If the McLaren duo lose the drivers' title, it would be probably one of the biggest surprises in the history of the sport. 

"So I think as a driver, Max is doing the job, and he deserves the title more than anybody else, but I think it will be very hard for him to win it. That's my view."

Also interesting:

Join RacingNews365's Sam Coop, Fergal Walsh and Nick Golding, as they look back on last weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix. Lando Norris' crushing victory is a lead talking point, as is Max Verstappen keeping himself firmly in title contention.

Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!

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