Verstappen: “With McLaren, the title would be easy”, Norris under pressure.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has made a bold statement about his colleague Lando Norris of McLaren, claiming that if he were behind the wheel of Norris’ car, the world championship would “easily” already be decided. In the run-up to the crucial Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen shared his impressions of the pressure Norris feels as he tries to secure his first title in Formula 1. Verstappen, who was 104 points behind the championship leader, is now only 24 points behind Norris, with two races remaining in the season. Norris’s McLaren team already secured the constructors’ championship in Azerbaijan in September.

Your dream is to win a championship and that’s when the pressure kicks in.

Max Verstappen

Verstappen recalled his own experience in the fight for his first title, highlighting the greater pressure felt in those moments, aware of the unique opportunity that presents itself. The Red Bull driver also commented on how drivers can be affected by criticism and external pressure, although he himself claims not to pay attention to it.

When asked if he would be competing in Norris’ McLaren, Verstappen responded without hesitation and with a smile: “We wouldn’t be talking about a championship. It would already be won, easily”.

Verstappen has managed to rejoin the fight for the title by winning four of the eight races held since the summer break. The driver also reflected on Christian Horner’s departure, highlighting the loss of control and instability that affected the team. Verstappen revealed that he still keeps in touch with Horner, receiving messages about the races and other topics. He emphasized the importance of recognizing Horner’s contribution to the team and the historic moments they experienced together. Horner, 52 years old, is planning his return to the paddock and has been linked with Aston Martin. Adrian Newey has been confirmed as the director of the British team. Verstappen concluded by saying that he would not be surprised by Horner’s return and that the rivalry with Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, was something that the Formula 1 world enjoyed.