Norris might surpass Verstappen in 2024, with Ferrari and Mercedes crucial in shaping the championship.
Lando Norris Clinches Dutch Grand Prix, Leaving Max Verstappen Trailing
Lando Norris secured a commanding victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing over 20 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen.
The gap has widened significantly, and McLaren’s latest upgrade package seems to have enhanced the MCL38 following the summer break.
Could Norris close in on Verstappen in the drivers’ standings? Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen’s 2021 rival, weighed in on the matter at Monza.
Verstappen currently leads Norris by 70 points, with nine races remaining this season.
The seven-time world champion hasn’t counted Norris out of the race yet.
“There are a lot of points still on the table, so I think it’s not impossible. Ultimately, Max would probably need to finish second in every race from here on to clinch it at this stage, and Lando would need to win every race, and even then, it might not be enough, so a bit of luck would definitely come into play,” Hamilton observed.
“Over nine races, a lot can happen, and Ferrari and we also have a part to play. Sometimes supporting Lando, sometimes Max, depending on how the races unfold.”
Hamilton also sees a bright prospect for McLaren in the constructors’ standings.
“What’s really exciting is that I think there’s a genuine chance for McLaren to take the constructors’ title. It’s really thrilling because I was there [at McLaren] when we last won it. Officially, it was taken from us, but we won it on performance that year, and I don’t think there’s been another since.”
The Briton is eager for a tight battle to the end of the season.
“I think it could really be fantastic, not only for them but for the sport as well. I hope it goes down to the wire because that would be great for the fans. But with the performance they showed last weekend, it’s likely they can make it happen,” he expressed.
However, Hamilton is not in favor of a total McLaren dominance!
“Oh my goodness, it’s so dull when one team starts to dominate. Honestly, starting first and leading the whole race is just boring compared to actually fighting and racing,” he remarked.
“Because it’s not really racing otherwise. You might as well be in testing, running a set pace. You’re just fighting for a time gap, that’s all. In racing, you have to mentally prepare to think that you are battling against another car in front of you or something like that. You need to be chasing something.”
“It’s different when you have one or more cars ahead of you and you’re on a track where you can overtake, like Austin or Silverstone, for instance. You try to work out different lines, using the tires, the wind, crosswinds, all these different factors. And then, when you finally get to be with someone in the fight, that’s the best thing. It’s the most rewarding experience as a driver.”
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Hamilton Believes Norris Can Eclipse Verstappen in Title Chase Hamilton Believes Norris Can Eclipse Verstappen in Title Chase
