Toto Wolff reaches verdict over stunning Max Verstappen F1 title upset

Toto Wolff believes it is a "long shot" for Max Verstappen to pull off a stunning F1 title upset and defeat McLaren.

Victories in Italy and Azerbaijan, coupled with a third and DNF for championship leader Oscar Piastri, have reduced the Australian's advantage over Verstappen to 69 points, with 199 remaining across the final seven rounds.

At its maximum, the points deficit was 104 between Piastri and Verstappen, but the Red Bull driver has the experience of challenging for world championships, whilst Piastri and Lando Norris are both engaged in their first battle for the crown. 

Analysing the situation, Wolff felt that Verstappen should never be counted out, even if he was facing an uphill battle.

"I think you always need to keep your feet on the ground and stay humble," Wolff told media, including RacingNews365. 

"He is on a good run, the car is good, and with Max Verstappen, you always need to be wary of what he can achieve, especially if he sees that the [title] is back on the cards.

"But 69 points is a long shot, things need to work in his favour, but a DNF for the championship leader, and Max scoring 25 points, things can swing quickly."

As for Mercedes' own fight for second in the constructors', Wolff pointed to the 'points machine' Verstappen. 

"It is a tough fight," he added, with Mercedes leading Ferrari by four points and Red Bull by 18.

"Max is a points machine, so Singapore will be a completely different game, but I've no doubt that Ferrari, after a soft showing [in Azerbaijan] and McLaren, will be very strong in Singapore."