Lando Norris says McLaren are “definitely capable” of chasing world championship leader Max Verstappen if they can maintain the form that saw them dominate the Singapore Grand Prix.
The Briton set a sensational pace at the Marina Bay Circuit, beating Verstappen by more than 20 seconds, and the Dutchman’s lead over Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship was reduced to 52 points.
The season took a break of nearly a month ahead of the final six rounds, including three sprint weekends starting with the United States Grand Prix on October 18-20.
“This is what I have to do, this is what I need to do, and this is what we have to do as a team,” Norris said. Sky Sports F1.
“We executed everything perfectly as a team, especially to get Oscar to third place.
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Norris edged title rival Verstappen to victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, with McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri completing the podium.
“But to have a chance of getting Max, we have to do that in every game until the end of the year.
“We’re working hard and if we continue like we did this weekend, we can definitely do it.”
Norris expects title fight to go all the way
Norris needs to reduce Verstappen’s lead by an average of 8.66 points per weekend to catch the Dutchman, with a maximum of 180 points up for grabs from the remaining six grands prix (plus a bonus point for fastest lap) and three sprint races.
The final round of the season in Abu Dhabi from December 6-8 is not a sprint weekend, so Norris needs to be 26 points ahead of Verstappen to have any chance of a comeback.
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Norris successfully held off title contender Verstappen on the opening lap of the Singapore Grand Prix to maintain his lead.
Asked if he expected the game to go all the way, Norris said: “I expect it to. There are still a lot of points to catch up on and it won’t be easy to do that.”
“This race is against Red Bull and Max. They are the strongest duo we have seen in Formula 1 last year.
“And it’s definitely… the same team, the same drivers. So, I think Formula 1 has some of the strongest competition the sport has ever seen.
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Norris narrowly avoided hitting the wall twice while leading the Singapore Grand Prix.
“We’re doing a better job as a team now because my car and our car are faster than theirs. But that’s just a credit to the team for doing an incredible job and doing smarter and cooler things and making things like the mini DRS flaps.
“I’m working my heart out, working my butt off, trying to make it happen. He’s trying to make sure it doesn’t happen. So we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Stella: The title is still in Max’s hands.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella insisted the title was “in Max’s hands” but said the team could be “encouraged and even more optimistic” about Norris’ prospects after Singapore.
A strong performance by the working squad in Singapore, with Oscar Piastri securing two podiums for the team, has helped McLaren extend their lead over Red Bull in the constructors’ standings by 41 points.
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Verstappen was pleased to limit the damage to his title hopes after finishing second to Norris in Singapore.
“It’s definitely not in our hands,” said Stella. “It’s still in Max’s hands.”
“Likewise, the Constructors’ Championship is also in our hands, to be fair.
“I think we can be more encouraged and optimistic about the fact that the drivers’ championship is possible because of the performance of the car.”
As for the rest of the season, Stella has stated that the team’s main objective will be to ensure Norris and Piastri finish ahead of Verstappen, provided the MCL38 continues to be the fastest car on the track.
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The funniest moments from the Singapore Grand Prix! Lizards causing chaos on the track and Ted Kravitz in his underwear!
“We have to go out to the next race and make the most of the sprint, make the most of the main race and make sure both drivers finish ahead of Max,” Stella said.
“And if we can upgrade, this mission will become much easier.
“We have to recognise that if we can maximise the potential of the car now and finish two lengths ahead of Max, we can do it. And that’s what makes us optimistic.”
With just six races remaining in Formula 1 2024, the season resumes with the United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 18-20, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership – no contract, cancel anytime
