After narrowly missing out on the 2024 drivers’ world championship to Max Verstappen, Lando Norris has responded to his rival’s comment that he would have won the title more easily in the McLaren. Verstappen sealed his fourth championship after finishing ahead of Norris in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, giving him an uncatchable 403 points with two races left. While Red Bull struggled with car development earlier in the season, McLaren made a strong comeback, with Norris claiming his first-ever victory in Miami and establishing the team as one of the fastest on the grid. As a result, McLaren has performed strongly in the constructors’ standings.
In a recent interview with De Telegraaf, Verstappen stated, “Would I have become champion in the McLaren? Yes! And much earlier too,” suggesting that had he been in the McLaren, he could have clinched the title sooner. Norris, however, dismissed this claim, saying, “Of course, I’m going to say no. It depends – if there was no Red Bull, then yeah! Even I could have won if there was no Red Bull and Max was not in a Red Bull. I would’ve won the championship.” He acknowledged Verstappen’s abilities but emphasized the impossibility of such a scenario, pointing out that making such bold statements without the proper context isn’t realistic.
Now that the driver’s title is beyond his reach, Norris is focused on securing McLaren’s first constructors’ championship since 1998. The team currently holds a 24-point lead over Ferrari, who have already indicated that their performance in Qatar might not be their best. McLaren’s 2024 season has been their most competitive in years, with Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri already more than doubling their total points from last year. Reflecting on the potential constructors’ title, Norris expressed, “It would mean a lot to me because everything I do, in a way, is for them.” He emphasized the importance of the team’s support throughout his career, adding that winning the title would feel especially meaningful given the years of ups and downs he has experienced with McLaren.
