What started as a comfortable path to glory is rapidly descending into a full-blown crisis for McLaren, one that threatens to derail their entire season. The dream of a championship, which seemed all but destined for the papaya team just weeks ago, is now evaporating before their eyes. The hunter? A relentless Max Verstappen, who just delivered a stark, humiliating message to the entire McLaren organization with a commanding, flawless victory at the United States Grand Prix.

The race in Texas was more than just a win for the reigning world champion; it was a psychological masterstroke. Verstappen was in complete, untouchable control throughout the entire weekend. After securing pole position, he defended his advantage perfectly through the opening corner and proceeded to dominate every single lap that followed. By the time he crossed the finish line, he was nearly eight seconds clear of McLaren’s Lando Norris, securing his third win in the last four races. When added to his sprint victory on Saturday, Verstappen’s weekend wasn’t just perfect—it was a statement of intent.

And as Verstappen stood on the podium, McLaren’s championship challenge was visibly crumbling around him. The title picture, once a sea of papaya, has transformed beyond recognition.

Just a few weeks ago, the question was which McLaren driver would win the title. Now, it’s if they can stop Verstappen from stealing it. The numbers are staggering. Verstappen now trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by a mere 40 points. With five rounds remaining and 141 points still on offer, a deficit that once appeared impossible has become entirely, terrifyingly achievable. Verstappen closed the gap by 23 points this weekend alone. What was McLaren’s championship to lose has shockingly evolved into a genuine, white-knuckle, three-way battle.

Perhaps most terrifying for McLaren is the shift in Verstappen’s own belief. Before the weekend, he was cautious, rating his chances at a reserved 50/50. After the Grand Prix, his answer was assured, pointed, and brimming with the confidence of a predator that smells blood. He confirmed the “opportunity is definitely there” and that Red Bull will “give it everything,” adding that he finds the challenge “thrilling.” He radiates a belief that the championship can be his—a deeply worrying development for a McLaren team that is suddenly showing vulnerability they hadn’t displayed all year.

The Grand Prix itself laid bare every single weakness currently afflicting McLaren. Lando Norris, lining up second on the grid, was optimistic he could challenge for the victory. Those hopes vanished almost instantly. Charles Leclerc, on a bold soft-tire strategy, executed a brilliant move to snatch second place, leaving Norris stuck.

What followed was 35 laps of pure frustration for Norris. He remained trapped behind the Ferrari, launching multiple, desperate overtaking attempts, particularly at turn 12. But Leclerc defended brilliantly. By the time Norris eventually found a way through with only five laps remaining, Verstappen had established such an unassailable lead that the outcome was a foregone conclusion. Norris collected second place, but his face told a story of “what could have been.” That lost time was the race, and potentially, a buffer in the championship.

But as difficult as Norris’s afternoon was, his teammate and the championship leader, Oscar Piastri, endured something far worse. The young Australian, who has been a formidable force all year, had a weekend to forget. He could only qualify sixth and managed no better than fifth in the race. He spent his entire afternoon trapped behind Lewis Hamilton, never once showing a genuine opportunity to improve his position. This marks his third straight race failing to show the dominant speed that built his championship lead.

The question must be asked: is the “weight of leading a championship for the first time” finally affecting the young star? His sprint crash on Saturday only reinforces the impression that his campaign is coming apart at the most critical moment possible.

Compounding this individual pressure is the developing, and increasingly toxic, rivalry between the McLaren teammates. Norris has now closed to within 14 points of Piastri and has been the stronger performer in recent races. McLaren has stubbornly stuck with its policy of allowing both drivers to compete freely. This strategy is now producing unequivocally “disastrous results.”

The teammates have collided in consecutive races, first in Singapore and now in Austin. This internal warfare is a gift to Red Bull. While McLaren’s drivers are taking points off each other—and scattering carbon fiber across the track—Verstappen is flawlessly exploiting every single error, steadily reducing his deficit to both. Without a designated number one driver, both McLaren drivers are hemorrhaging points.

McLaren’s strategic errors are proving just as costly. Their failure to find a way to assist Norris past Leclerc more efficiently on Sunday eliminated any chance he had of fighting Verstappen for the win. Their apparent inability to resolve the setup problems that have hampered Piastri for three straight races leaves their championship leader struggling when they need him most. The team is showing cracks under the immense strain.

This championship battle is also layered with historical significance. Verstappen is not just chasing another title; he is pursuing his fifth straight world title. Achieving this would match the iconic, era-defining records established by Michael Schumacher. This is a competitor who has navigated high-pressure title fights before and understands precisely how to handle them. He demonstrated last season he can win even when facing adversity. Piastri and Norris, for all their talent, lack this depth of experience, and it is beginning to show in both their driving and their team’s decision-making.

Red Bull has hit peak performance at the perfect moment, while McLaren’s earlier speed advantage has evaporated. The upcoming schedule only darkens the clouds over McLaren. The Mexican Grand Prix, with its high elevation, has historically been a Red Bull stronghold. Brazil, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia follow. The window for McLaren to reverse this catastrophic momentum is closing with alarming speed.

Verstappen’s message after the race was crystal clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. He is convinced he can claim this championship. He possesses the momentum, the performance, and the experience to make it a reality. What was meant to be an internal battle between Piastri and Norris has transformed into a desperate, frantic defense against a surging Verstappen, who is pursuing them both with characteristic, ruthless determination.

If McLaren cannot find a solution—if Piastri cannot rediscover his form and if the team cannot manage its drivers—we may be watching one of the most remarkable and stunning championship turnarounds in Formula 1 history unfold. The question is no longer who will win at McLaren, but how they allowed this golden opportunity to slip away.