Lando Norris has dismissed Max Verstappen’s claims that he may win the 2024 F1 title with McLaren.
Though Crimson Bull is third within the constructors’ championship, the Dutchman clinched his fourth consecutive world title at Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix with two races remaining. McLaren leads Ferrari by 24 factors within the championship, whereas Crimson Bull is 53 factors behind the chief.
Verstappen had heat exchanges with McLaren CEO Zak Brown in interview Sky Sports activities F1when he commented: “Such as you stated, earlier than I may solely win races within the quickest automobile. This yr is a bit totally different!”, an obvious reference to a remark Brown made in an interview earlier this yr.
Verstappen was later quoted in an interview with Dutch media because the championship celebrations continued telegraph Mentioned: “Issues like this solely encourage me. If individuals are vital and suppose I can solely win in the perfect automobile, then I’ve confirmed the other.
“If I did not get credit score for it now, then I do not know what else I may do. Would I be a McLaren champion? Sure! And earlier too.”
In an thrilling season, Verstappen has gained eight races, 5 greater than Norris, though solely a type of got here within the final 12 races.
“He ought to begin with comedy or one thing! He can say no matter he needs,” Norris stated forward of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.
“In fact, I completely disagree, as a lot as I want to. He is good. However he isn’t actual.”
Norris later added Sky Sports activities F1: “I do know what Max can do. It relies upon. If there isn’t a Crimson Bull, sure, even I can win, if there isn’t a Crimson Bull and Max doesn’t drive a Crimson Bull, I will even win the championship!
“I do not imagine [his comments]. I like his confidence. What can I say. I can say ‘I am a world champion, I can do that or that’. However, it is unimaginable.
Verstappen and Norris clashed on the Austrian Grand Prix, then there have been additional controversial incidents in Austin and Mexico Metropolis because the title race started to warmth up.
The 2 have been associates off the observe for a number of years, and Norris stated that is nonetheless the case.
“There have been some robust moments, however we’re nonetheless good associates. We had a whole lot of good issues to say about one another after the sport in Vegas,” he stated.
“I nonetheless have a whole lot of respect for him and every little thing he is performed, so it is all good to me.”
Norris considers Mercedes the favourite for Qatar
McLaren may win the Constructors’ Championship in the event that they lead the second-placed workforce by 45 factors or extra on the finish of the Qatar GP dash weekend.
After a tough weekend in Las Vegas, McLaren ought to be stronger on the high-speed Lusail Worldwide Speedway because it fits their automobile’s quick cornering strengths.
Nevertheless, Norris believes Mercedes would be the workforce to beat following their one-two in Las Vegas and the tempo they confirmed in Qatar final yr, after they completed second and third, simply There was a collision on the first nook.
“Mercedes was quick right here final yr so they’re positively the favorites this weekend,” Norris stated.
“Crimson Bull did effectively final yr too, Max. We carried out effectively so I am anticipating a superb battle.
“I hope it is a bit extra favorable to us than Ferrari, however Ferrari solved a whole lot of the issues they’d final yr, so to be sincere, I do not know. However once you have a look at issues, each Ferrari and Mercedes are Such individuals are at present in a greater state of stream.
Sky Sports activities F1 Qatar Grand Prix reside schedule
Friday, November 29
9.55am: F1 Academy Observe 1
11 a.m.: F2 observe
1pm: Qatar Grand Prix observe one (observe begins at 1.30pm)
2.55pm: F1 Academy Observe 2
4.05pm: F2 qualifying
5pm: Qatar GP dash qualifying (qualifying begins at 5.30pm)*
Saturday, November 30
12.10pm: F1 Academy Qualifying
1pm: Qatar Grand Prix dash preparations
2pm: Qatar Grand Prix Dash
3.30pm: Ted’s Dash Pocket book
4pm: F2 Dash Race
5.15pm: Qatar Grand Prix qualifying preparations
6pm: Qatar Grand Prix Qualifying Spherical
8pm: F1 Academy: Race 1
8.45pm: Ted’s Qualification Pocket book
Sunday, December 1
10.55am: F1 Academy Race 2
12.15pm: F2 Particular Race
2.30pm: Sunday Grand Prix: Qatar Grand Prix preparations
4pm: Qatar Grand Prix
6pm: Checkered Flag: Reactions to Qatar Grand Prix
7pm: Ted’s Pocket book
* Additionally broadcast reside on Sky Sports activities Principal Occasion
System One’s closing three races of the season proceed this weekend with the Qatar Grand Prix being broadcast reside on Sky Sports activities F1. Watch the last two F1 races and more with a NOW Sports Monthly Membership – no contract, cancel anytime