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Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, discussed McLaren’s “huge blunder” during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which has put the four-time champion firmly back in the drivers’ title fight.
McLaren was hit with a double disqualification after Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished the Las Vegas Grand Prix in second and fourth place, when the two cars were found to have suffered excessive plank wear beyond the permitted limit.
Verstappen’s victory around the streets of Sin City, combined with the double disqualification for the Woking outfit, means that the Red Bull driver is now equal on points with Piastri in second position. Both sit 24 points behind championship leader Norris with just two rounds remaining.
“This just gives Max extra positive energy,” Jos Verstappen told Formule1.nl. “Just hearing and reading about the effect McLaren’s radio comment during the race – ‘Go and get Max’ – has on Max, you can imagine it’s an added motivation. And McLaren will only get more nervous. They can’t afford anything more now.”
He added about the plank wear: “This is a huge mistake by McLaren, a huge blunder indeed. Because why would they really push the limit like that? Maybe it really was a mistake, but maybe the car simply wouldn’t perform as well otherwise, and they’d have to do this.”
The four-time champion had already left the track before the official decision had been released. “I spoke to Max briefly before leaving. He already knew they were going to be disqualified,” Jos added.
Lando Norris, McLaren
Photo by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella issued an apology to Norris and Piastri following the disqualification and for its timing in their respective championship battles.
“We apologise to Lando and Oscar for the loss of points today, at a critical time in their championship campaigns after two strong performances from them all weekend. As a team, we also apologise to our partners and fans, whose support means so much.
“While this outcome is extremely disappointing, we remain fully focused on the last two races of the season.”
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