RacingNews365·October 18, 2026
McLaren face nervy run-in as Red Bull threat suddenly intensifies
What happened
Red Bull has surged to 332 points, only seven behind McLaren’s 339, after outscoring its rival at the Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen’s recent wins in Malaysia and Singapore have fueled the comeback.
Why it matters
The immediate contest is for third place rather than the title itself: Ferrari is on 444 points and appears securely ahead of both teams. McLaren, the two-time defending champion, now faces pressure to protect its position.
What comes next
McLaren’s upgrade schedule and Red Bull’s momentum will shape the final six rounds. Reliability, qualifying performance, and both cars scoring consistently could decide the standings.