McLaren’s Lando Norris has firmly dismissed Max Verstappen’s bold assertion that he could have sealed the 2024 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship earlier if he had been driving McLaren’s MCL38. Verstappen’s claim comes after a season-long battle between the two, where McLaren’s improved performance gave Norris a shot at challenging Red Bull’s dominance.
Verstappen’s Bold Claim Sparks Controversy
After wrapping up his fourth consecutive title in Las Vegas, Verstappen declared that McLaren’s car, paired with his driving, could have clinched the championship even sooner. The Dutchman pointed to Red Bull’s mid-season struggles and claimed his RB20 wasn’t the fastest car for “75% of the season.”
However, Norris, who spent much of the season chasing Verstappen’s early points lead, firmly rejected this notion. Reflecting on the championship battle, Norris highlighted the insurmountable points deficit he faced and McLaren’s errors that prevented a stronger title bid.
“No, definitely not,” Norris said when asked if Verstappen could have won the championship in the McLaren. “No one ever in the history of Formula 1 has come back from the size of deficit I had. No one. Ever.”
Norris Points to McLaren’s Shortcomings
Norris acknowledged McLaren’s rapid mid-season progress under team boss Andrea Stella but pointed out that their initial struggles, coupled with operational missteps, left them vulnerable. The British driver noted that Red Bull’s early-season dominance gave Verstappen an edge that was difficult to erode, even with McLaren’s improved pace.
“The advantage they [Red Bull] had in the beginning of the season over everyone was way more than we’ve had,” Norris said.
While Norris conceded that Verstappen is a driver with “no weaknesses,” he also speculated that his chances of claiming the title would have been higher if the battle had been against anyone else.
“I think if it wasn’t Max and Red Bull, I think the chances would have been much higher,” he added.
Looking to the Future
With McLaren poised for further growth and Ferrari resurging as a title contender, Norris faces increasing competition, including from his talented teammate Oscar Piastri. Despite this, Norris remains confident in his development as a driver and his ability to challenge for a championship in the coming seasons.
“This year was a better performing year for me than last year,” Norris said. “My progression this year is more than it probably has been over the last few years.”
When asked whether he believes he’s ready to clinch the title in 2025 with a competitive car, Norris didn’t hesitate.
“I think so, yes,” he concluded.
Norris vs. Verstappen: A Rivalry to Watch
The 2024 season saw a glimpse of what could become one of Formula 1’s most intriguing rivalries. As McLaren closes the performance gap to Red Bull, Norris’s confidence and Verstappen’s dominance set the stage for an even fiercer battle in 2025. While Verstappen may be quick to credit his driving as the deciding factor, Norris’s rebuttal underscores his determination to prove he belongs at the very top of the sport.
