Max in the mix for three-way F1 fight

VERSTAPPEN SURGE DISRUPTS MCLAREN TITLE TUSSLE

- By SCOTT HUNT

Max Verstappen on the podium after winning the US Grand Prix at the weekend, continuing his surge back into title contention SmartFrame/Every Second Media

MAX Verstappen's charge back into the Formula One championship race has disrupted McLaren's plans for a teammate title tussle.

With five rounds to go, Oscar Piastri's lead has been slashed to 14 points from Lando Norris and 40 points to four-time champion Verstappen.

Here, the PA news agency looks at how a fascinating title race is shaping up ahead of this weekend's trip to Mexico City.

Nobody is more surprised than the Dutchman. He declared his chances over before the summer break but has won three of the last four races to charge back into the fight. Verstappen trailed Piastri by 104 points after Zandvoort just five races ago but has slashed that by 64 points after taking a perfect 33 last weekend in Austin.