McLaren ready to ‘unleash’ package as Red Bull ready to ‘hit back’ with upgrades

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The Formula 1 championship fight is intensifying as McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen go head-to-head for the drivers’ title.

The gap between them sits at 52 points with six rounds of the season to go, but the tide may be about to change again.

McLaren have been the fastest car over the measure of the last six races at least, with Red Bull struggling to make the podium at some events.

But, they’re bringing upgrades to the United States Grand Prix which may bring them back into contention for race wins, just as it seemed that Verstappen may be helpless to prevent a runaway Norris win.

McLaren could ‘unleash’ package that could see cars change

McLaren introduced a package earlier in the year, which they were hesitant to keep on the car, but may be forced to put back on if Red Bull improve.

Their rivals are bringing upgrades in Austin, which come at the perfect time, having been the fourth fastest car at some tracks.

Speaking on a GP Racing podcast, journalist Alex Kalinauckas discussed where both teams are at headed into the last quarter of the season.

READ MORE: McLaren will want to ‘put a stop’ to Singapore Grand Prix scenario that ‘can’t happen again’

“We’re at a really interesting stage of the season because Red Bull are clearly going to hit back with car improvements, judging from what they’re saying, judging from what they’ve understood.

“But McLaren equally has this, what it’s got, that it’s been afraid, not afraid, but it’s been unwilling to unleash so far. So there is the possibility that both packages could get change by the end of the year.”

What do McLaren need to go their way to win the title?

Verstappen can afford to finish second at all remaining events, without the fastest lap, and still claim a fourth consecutive championship.

That’s courtesy of the outgoing Daniel Ricciardo, whose parting gift from Visa Cash App RB, was to steal the fastest lap from Norris at the Singapore Grand Prix.

If they can bring themselves back in contention for race victories, then McLaren will be worried and the pressure will continue to build.

READ MORE: McLaren’s ‘very clever’ regulation exploit that made Red Bull unhappy shown off at Singapore

Norris is yet to be in this situation during his Formula 1 career, while Verstappen knows how to play the situation in order to come out on top.

Not only does the Brit have to win every race remaining to give himself the best shot of claiming McLaren’s first drivers’ crown since 2008, but he also cannot afford to retire or get involved with Verstappen as he did in Austria.