Lando Norris evaluates Max Verstappen as a “genuine” competitor for the world championship, but assures that McLaren will not need to designate Oscar Piastri as their number one.
Verstappen, after two consecutive victories, arrives at the Singapore Grand Prix with a 69-point lead over Piastri, with 199 points still at stake in the remaining seven rounds.
In the last race in Azerbaijan, Piastri suffered an accident, while Norris started and finished in seventh place.
He’s really a contender.
Norris on Verstappen
McLaren could win the F1 constructors’ title if Norris or Piastri achieve a podium finish in Singapore.
Norris explained that, at the beginning of the season, Verstappen and his team were already competing for victories in the first races. Although McLaren introduced improvements, the competition also evolved, matching the level.
McLaren maintains its ambition to dominate and win races, seeking to continue with the performance demonstrated during the season.
Norris also mentioned that in Baku, although they had the car to win, they didn’t achieve it, missing the opportunity to compete with Verstappen. In Monza, the competition was superior, and he anticipates that in some upcoming races they might face the same situation.
The British driver pointed out that on low-downforce circuits like Las Vegas, they might not have the same performance, which would represent an opportunity for Red Bull. However, McLaren is focused on maximizing its own performance.
In the championship standings, Norris is 25 points behind Piastri.
When asked if he is worried that McLaren should prioritize one of its drivers to face Verstappen and aim for the title, Norris responded with irony: “I am very worried. I am very worried about that. And frankly, scared. I’m glad you asked that. No.”
