Norris on claim Verstappen could win title in McLaren

After losing out to Max Verstappen in the drivers’ world championship, Lando Norris has dismissed his rival’s belief that he would have won the title faster and more easily in the 2024 McLaren.

The Dutchman sealed his title by finishing ahead of Norris in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, giving him an unassailable points total of 403 points with two races still remaining before the season wraps up.

While Red Bull faced issues with their car development earlier in the year, McLaren appeared to turn a corner after the Briton secured his maiden victory in Miami, establishing them as one of the strongest cars on the grid.

Their consistent performances have contributed to the papaya team leading the constructors’ standings, but Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf quoted Verstappen as saying: “Would I have become champion in the McLaren? Yes! And much earlier too.”

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Second placed Max Verstappen and Third placed Lando Norris talk in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 07, 2024. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) — Norris has won three races this season to Verstappen's eight

Asked whether he was in agreement with this year’s champion, Norris said: “Of course I’m going to say no. It depends – if there was no Red Bull, then yeah!

“Even I could have won if there was no Red Bull and Max was not in a Red Bull. I would’ve won the championship.

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“I don’t believe it, I know what Max is capable of doing and I like his confidence but I could say whatever. I could say I was world champ and this and that, but not possible.”

Now that the drivers’ title is out of reach, McLaren are dedicating their full focus to sealing their first constructors’ championship since 1998 – they are currently 24 points clear of Ferrari, who have already predicted that their performance will be far from its best in Qatar.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: Lando Norris driving the (4) McLaren MCL38 Mercedes leads Sergio Perez driving during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 23, 2024. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) — McLaren have two weekends left to defend their lead in the standings

The 2024 campaign has been the Woking outfit’s most competitive season in recent memory, with Norris and his team mate Oscar Piastri already more than doubling their overall points total from last season when they placed fourth.

“It would mean a lot to me because everything I do, in a way, is for them,” Norris said when asked about winning the constructors’ title. “It’s for everyone that works back at the factory and here trackside.

“The team are my biggest motivation. It would mean a lot to them, and when something means a lot to them it means a lot to me. I’ve been part of McLaren for eight years now, six years in Formula 1. A lot of ups and downs, a lot of great times, a lot of tough times. I think for me it’s worth more.

“Some people have come into Formula 1 and won in their first year – not as much of a story. For me, there’s been a lot more that’s gone into it, a lot more chapters in my story and I think that makes everything feel a little bit more special.”