For Lando Norris, the hunt is on for Max Verstappen

Fastest driver during Free Practice 1 in Spain… ahead of Max Verstappen, Lando Norris shows confidence in his chances of catching up with the Red Bull driver in the world championship this year. While the Dutchman remains the favorite, the recent races have shown that the British driver and his team have what it takes to beat him. Max Verstappen leads the championship with 169 points, while Lando Norris is 3rd with 113 points.

“There are more opportunities and possibilities now, especially if Mercedes is in the battle,” Lando Norris explained to the media in Spain on Thursday. “A bad weekend for Max can cost him a lot of points, and if we can be the ones who win, we can recover a lot quickly.”

A formidable Max Verstappen, but not invincible.

Norris acknowledges Verstappen’s dominance, who has no weaknesses, but he emphasizes that pressure can push him to make mistakes. “With more pressure, you never know how things change, and with pressure, it’s always easier to make mistakes.”

The British regrets his strategy in Canada, where he could have established himself. Max shouldn’t have won last weekend, but he was the most consistent throughout the race. We must capitalize on their mistakes and be the only car that rises.

Norris now expects a close race in Spain, with the top three or four teams neck and neck. « We have been good in all areas so far, so I do not expect things to change too much. »

McLaren solid and consistent

We haven’t suddenly been the fastest and easily dominated a weekend, but we have been a very good all-round player so far, which is exactly what we want over a season,” McLaren driver further stated, pleased with the work done by the team this year.

On his side, Max Verstappen expects his Red Bull to be more performing in Spain, a track that should suit him better than Canada. « I am aware that everyone has caught up a lot, but (the track in Spain) should give us a better chance.