The McLaren camp is divided on whether Red Bull’s Max Verstappen still poses a threat to the team in this season’s Formula 1 World Championship.
The Dutchman is 65 points behind Lando Norris, and a further 16 behind Oscar Piastri in the Drivers’ Championship, having taken two victories in 2025.
The reigning World Champion has been frank about what he perceives to be his lack of probability of retaining his crown, whereas the key figures at the Woking-based squad have been cautious not to rule him out.
Stella has reiterated this train of thought, saying that, until it is numerically impossible for Verstappen to be able to win, he will not be discounted.
“Definitely not,” he told media including Motorsport Week ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
“I only agree with mathematics. So once mathematics tells us that’s the case, then I’ll change my answer.”
Norris was also quick to keep Verstappen firmly in the mix, saying “it’s never impossible,” but added that it is unlikely. “We proved that last year, but it’s quite a long way back,” he said.
“We have a team that’s a lot more stable and performing a lot better than Red Bull is. But Max is still quite easily one of the best drivers ever in Formula 1.
“So, as a driver, I wouldn’t rule him out. But we have a better car, we have a better team. So I have my confidence in them that we can stay ahead.”
Piastri appears to discount Verstappen
Piastri seemed a little more confident and assured in appearing to discount Verstappen, with fifth and fourth place finishes at Silverstone and Spa respectively, following a DNF in Austria.
When asked if he was more comfortable about the prospect of Verstappen being on the periphery, the Australian said: “I suppose so.
“Every weekend now, or the last few weekends anyway, it has been Lando and I.
“I expect our competition to still be strong and put up a good fight, especially at certain tracks through the rest of the year.
“Whether that comes from Max or Ferrari or Mercedes or someone else, we never really know. I’m not too concerned about what happens in that.
“I’m just trying to win each race and extend the lead. Clearly, Lando and I are in the same car, which is the best, and he’s naturally going to be the close competition.”
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