Lando Norris remains confident in his quest for the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship, despite trailing Max Verstappen by 62 points with eight races remaining. The British driver, who has been at the center of discussions surrounding team orders and McLaren’s race strategies, insists he is not “running out of time” to close the gap on the reigning champion.
The debate over McLaren’s approach intensified after Oscar Piastri’s aggressive move on the opening lap at Monza, where he overtook Norris at the second chicane. This maneuver compromised Norris, allowing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to split the McLaren duo and ultimately win the race. Norris finished third, reducing Verstappen’s lead but lamenting the missed opportunity to further capitalize on Red Bull’s struggles.
In the aftermath, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella hinted that the team’s senior management would review whether Piastri’s overtake adhered to McLaren’s internal racing guidelines. However, Norris himself appeared unfazed by the incident, expressing no resentment towards his teammate and acknowledging that Piastri simply “drove a better race.”
When asked about the possibility of McLaren prioritizing him in the remaining races, Norris was diplomatic. While he admitted that he would appreciate extra support, he emphasized that his focus remains on racing rather than relying on team orders. “I’m not here just to beg for someone to let me pass. That’s not why I’m here. I’m here to race,” Norris stated.
Despite the growing pressure, Norris remains optimistic about his title chances, believing that McLaren’s pace is strong enough to challenge Verstappen without resorting to internal favoritism. “I wouldn’t say we’re running out of time, but time is going away slowly,” Norris said, maintaining that the team’s performance gives him confidence in their ability to close the gap.
Stella has acknowledged that Norris is McLaren’s best hope for catching Verstappen, hinting that team orders could be on the table as the season progresses. However, Norris downplayed the need for such measures, insisting that McLaren’s strength lies in its cohesive team dynamic and that both drivers are committed to the overall success of the team.
Norris’s pragmatic approach underscores his belief that winning races outright is the most effective way to challenge for the title. “The best way simply is just to win the race. And I didn’t do that today because of some silly things,” he conceded.
As the championship battle heats up, Norris’s focus remains unwavering. He and McLaren are determined to maximize their performance in the remaining races, keeping the pressure on Verstappen while continuing to work as a united team. Whether team orders come into play or not, Norris is clear that his path to the title will be forged on the track, not through strategic maneuvering behind the scenes.
