Norris Closes Gap on Verstappen

Ralf Schumacher predicts a tougher season for Red Bull as McLaren, with Lando Norris closing in, gears up to challenge further.

The year 2024 has so far been a disastrous season for Red Bull, plagued by high-level staff departures, internal conflicts, and a significant drop in performance.

According to Ralf Schumacher, things are unlikely to improve: McLaren, with Lando Norris just 52 points behind Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship after his win in Singapore, is expected to become even more competitive in the upcoming races.

“The McLaren is by far the best car,” stated the former F1 driver.

“We are now coming to tracks that suit the McLaren even better. Norris was in a different league from Max in Singapore, and there are still many points up for grabs.”

“Ferrari was also fast in the race with Charles. If he can also take points from Max, as could have happened in Singapore, I think Lando has a really good chance.”

However, Red Bull has been buoyed by a slight improvement in balance and car pace during the last two Grands Prix, in Baku and Singapore. Nevertheless, Norris easily dominated the last race.

“The qualifications were a bit misleading,” said Jan Lammers, the boss of the Dutch GP and another former F1 driver.

“We thought Red Bull was close, but the disappointment came in the race. I think it was a cold shower for Red Bull.”

Lammers believes Verstappen will ultimately clinch his fourth consecutive drivers’ title this season, but even Red Bull is starting to write off the constructors’ crown.

“Sergio Perez is the biggest problem. Max’s championship is going quite well.”

“However, if Perez continues to be inconsistent, Red Bull will also need to worry about securing second place in the constructors’ championship. They have a lot more to consider beyond car balance.”

Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos acknowledges that Verstappen’s championship isn’t really in jeopardy, especially since a string of victories for Norris won’t be enough if Verstappen keeps finishing second.

“That won’t happen. Look at what occurred in Singapore – Norris nearly lost the race three times.”

However, the Dutchman admits that McLaren’s pace advantage is now more than clear.

“Initially, we thought Max’s victory was possible, while the gap was two or three seconds. But then, a 23-second gap after 28 laps? And it could have been much more. Red Bull and Max actually score a 10/10 for execution – 2nd in qualifying and 2nd in the race. There was nothing more to do than that.”

“Everything now hinges on their updates in Austin.”