MercedesBoss Toto Wolff feels there is a “psychological edge” to being the underdog in the competition for the Formula 1 championship.
His comments came as Max VerstappenOnce more, he reduced his points gap in Austin, securing victories in both the sprint and grand prix events.
The 2025 F1 drivers’ title appeared set to be decidedMcLarenEarlier than the summer break, but in recent weeks the momentum has changed as Verstappen and Red Bull improved their situation. The Dutch driver won three of the last four races and is now only 40 points behind the championship leader.Oscar Piastriwith five major races still scheduled
Although few would view a four-time world champion as an underdog, Wolff thinks there is a benefit to being the pursuer rather than the pursued in F1.
“Back in the past, it was Max, I think, and then it was Sebastian during that race,” Wolff said to journalists following the United States Grand Prix.
The underdog often holds a slight psychological edge – as the chances are clearly stacked against Max.
I’m not sure, I’ve calculated it previously, but it’s around 19% or 21% – roughly that range. So, when you consider the probability, it’s quite low – a single DNF can alter everything.
Despite the challenges faced by Verstappen, Wolff thinks this changes how a driver approaches the race. A driver with a significant lead tends to take fewer risks and be more strategic in their maneuvers, whereas the driver in pursuit might be more daring with their actions on the track. According to him, this was clearly evident in Sunday’s race at the Circuit of the Americas.
I believe this impacts the driving, you know how aggressive it is, can you really attempt an overtake,” Wolff explained. “Perhaps you can observe with Lando today – he managed it at the end, but there were times when it was challenging to decide whether to commit or not.
McLaren’s Lando Norrisfell second place off the line toCharles Leclercin the US Grand Prix. He then spent the initial part of the race attempting to close the gap and overtake theFerrari, eventually moving forward on lap 21, and later regaining second position following the pit stops on lap 51.
When asked more about the revival that Verstappen and Red Bull have demonstrated, Wolff acknowledged that the Dutch driver is currently the favorite in F1.
I believe Max is excellent,” he said. “They have just reversed the car, and this vehicle is currently the most competitive, with him accumulating significant points. He’s among the best drivers out there.
Verstappen currently holds 306 points in the world championship, while Piastri has 346 and Norris has 332, with five grand prix events and two sprint races left in the 2025 season.
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