McLaren facing 'horrible' scenario as F1 title fight intensifies

Two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen has stated McLaren is facing a “horrible” situation as the title fight reaches its final stages.

Lando Norris currently leads the championship following a dominant run to victory last time out in Mexico City.

The Briton holds a one-point advantage over team-mate Oscar Piastri, who has endured a more difficult stretch of form in recent rounds.

The pair are seen as the primary title protagonists, while Red Bull's Max Verstappen is viewed as an outside bet with a 36-point deficit to Norris.

Hakkinen, who won two F1 titles with McLaren, has praised the team's harmonious relationship amid the championship battle. 

“Zak Brown, Andrea [Stella], really incredible,” Hakkinen told the High Performance podcast. 

“They had to work so closely with drivers that they find a beautiful harmony towards the end of the season.”

Knowing there is a strong chance one of its drivers will win the title, it will leave the other immensely disappointed over the missed opportunity.

Hakkinen asserted it is a difficult scenario for any team to process. 

“This is racing and one of these drivers, they can win a championship. It's a nightmare. It's an absolutely horrible situation inside the team. 

“I don't mean [that] negatively. I just mean it is what it is.

“They have great partners, McLaren, they have great team members, the mechanics, engineers, marketing, designers. It's a beautiful team. 

“You want this season to end in a perfect way and that's why I think Lando is already quite experienced about F1.

“Oscar is getting there. So I believe that they will find ways to end the season in a good way.”