Lando Norris has emerged as a serious contender for the 2024 F1 World Championship, taking the fight directly to reigning champion Max Verstappen. Despite Verstappen holding a 52-point lead with six races left, former F1 champion Damon Hill believes Norris is in a favorable position as the underdog.
Hill, who has closely followed the 2024 season, pointed out that while it’s generally advantageous to have a points lead, there are benefits for a driver like Norris, who is playing catch-up. “I think it’s better to have the advantage and protect it. You’ve got nothing to lose if you’re chasing, but at the same time you’re behind,” Hill remarked, emphasizing that Norris’s lack of pressure could work in his favor as he pushes to close the gap.
However, Hill also maintained that Verstappen’s position remains the stronger one, despite the challenge from McLaren’s young star. With Verstappen leading by a comfortable margin, the Dutch driver can afford to lose out to Norris in a few races and still maintain the championship lead. “It’s always a better position to be in, to have those points,” Hill asserted, highlighting the strategic advantage Verstappen holds with the championship nearing its climax.
The 1996 World Champion acknowledged that tension is an inevitable part of motorsport, and every driver must learn to manage it effectively. Hill suggested that Verstappen faces immense pressure, as he has everything to lose. Having dominated the ground-effect era of Formula 1, Verstappen’s legacy and championship hopes rest on his ability to fend off Norris’s challenge. “In motorsport, there’s tension. You can’t avoid it. So it’s the ability to cope with tension, to cope with pressure… Max has got it all to lose.”
The season began with Verstappen as the overwhelming favorite, clinching seven of the first ten races. However, as the championship has progressed, the tide has shifted, with Norris and McLaren closing the gap. Hill believes that while Verstappen is still the frontrunner, Norris’s relentless pursuit could turn the championship battle into a fierce showdown in the remaining races.
With the championship race tighter than expected, fans can expect a nail-biting finish as Norris fights to close the gap and Verstappen aims to hold onto his lead to secure another world title.
