Andrea Stella confirms no more McLaren upgrades as Max Verstappen closes in

McLaren says it will stick with its current package for the remainder of the season, even as Red Bull brings another car update and Max Verstappen ramps up the pressure in the title fight.

Helmut Marko revealed in Austin that Red Bull still has “another car update up its sleeve” as the championship race tightens. "With a 40-point deficit, it's a bit of an exaggeration to call it a striking distance," Marko told Sky Deutschland. "But with five races and two sprints, it can still be really exciting."

While Red Bull appears to be gathering momentum, many in the paddock believe McLaren’s form has begun to level off. Team principal Andrea Stella, though, insists the numbers from Austin were encouraging.

"In terms of trends, the race was relatively reassuring because, without the battle with Charles (Leclerc), which was certainly very entertaining, I think Lando had the pace to win the race," Stella said.

He confirmed that McLaren’s development work is now complete, saying: "As far as new upgrades and new parts are concerned, this will not happen for the rest of the season."

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says he is watching the emerging three-way fight with great interest. "I've been in a similar situation before, when two drivers were fighting for the championship and another driver was hot on their heels," he said. "Back then, I think it was Max, and then it was Sebastian (Vettel) who was hot on their heels."

Wolff believes Verstappen, who remains on Mercedes’ radar for 2027, thrives in the role of pursuer. "The underdog always has a psychological advantage," he said.

"The probability, the odds are definitely against Max. But a single retirement can change everything. And I think that also affects the driving. How aggressively can you actually be in an overtaking manoeuvre? We almost saw that with Lando," he added after the U.S. GP. The Austrian also paid tribute to Verstappen’s form. He's as good as he gets as a driver."

With only a handful of rounds remaining, anticipation is building toward the finale. Former driver Robert Doornbos told Ziggo Sport: "I spoke to someone from the Abu Dhabi circuit today. Everything there was already sold out - there was absolutely nothing left."

Although Oscar Piastri still heads the standings, Doornbos feels the Australian’s camp is being overly cautious. "They all remain politically correct," he said.

"You see that with Oscar Piastri too. "I already said: 'Where's that fire in his eyes?' It's always about protecting the team. You could say 'amazing media training', but you miss a driver who simply shows his teeth."

Piastri, however, remains unfazed by Verstappen’s late-season surge. "I still prefer my position to the other two," he said. "Max has certainly made good progress in the last few races, but if we can find our pace again, I'm not worried. The championship is still long, but it's not like the gap is that small with five races to go."