Verstappen to regroup during F1 summer break with McLaren and Mercedes right on his tailpipe

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — What a difference a year can make in Formula 1.

Yes, Max Verstappen is still on pace for yet another world title – it will be No. 4 in a row for the Dutchman unless Red Bull self-implodes.

But no longer is it a foregone conclusion that Verstappen will dominate the competition and, let’s face it, bore many fans looking for him to at least be made to sweat.

F1 instead has been lit up this summer as Red Bull’s speed advantage has evaporated thanks to huge improvements from more than one rival.