PALMER: Max Verstappen’s Spanish GP win proved he’s making the difference right now – not his car

In Imola Verstappen soaked up pressure from Norris to win. In Canada, a wild and wacky race, it still felt inevitable as soon as Max hit the front that he’d be unbeatable – and that is testament to the way he’s driving right now.

Sergio Perez is once again proving that this isn’t just the Red Bull car being a step ahead, as he’s picked up a measly eight points in the last four races, three of which Verstappen has won.

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Norris looks to be the most consistent threat each weekend on paper, and Lando is also driving superbly right now. With the most competitive machinery he’s ever driven, it looks like he’s finally proving his world championship credentials as well. But he was self critical after Barcelona, saying there are things he still needs to tidy up to match Verstappen. It was a harsh reflection, but he’s right.

In a normal world Lando might have added to his win tally by now, but Max isn’t driving in a normal world. For McLaren, Ferrari or Mercedes to topple him, they are going to need to put together a perfect weekend, because anything less and Verstappen has a chance. And right now when he has a chance, he usually wins.