Coulthard: Norris Made a Costly Mistake Against Verstappen in Las Vegas

David Coulthard highlighted Lando Norris' critical error at the start of the Las Vegas GP against Max Verstappen, which ultimately cost the McLaren driver the lead. Coulthard emphasized that Norris' aggressive defense, while attempting to emulate Verstappen's tactics, demonstrated a lack of understanding of the 'rules of that game,' leading to a locked wheel and a wide turn at Turn 1, giving Verstappen an easy opportunity to take the lead.

Why it matters:

• This incident underscores Norris' ongoing learning curve in high-pressure championship battles and highlights the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in Formula 1.
• For McLaren, it signifies a missed opportunity to convert a pole position into a win, emphasizing the need for strategic precision and flawless execution against top competitors like Verstappen.
• It also reinforces Verstappen's reputation as a relentless and opportunistic racer who capitalizes on rivals' mistakes, further solidifying his championship credentials.

The Details:

• Norris, starting from pole, attempted an aggressive defense against Verstappen at the start, squeezing him towards the inside.
• This maneuver resulted in Norris locking his wheels and running wide at Turn 1, allowing Verstappen to easily overtake and seize the lead.
• Coulthard's Critique: David Coulthard, speaking on Sky Sports, remarked, "Lando Norris tried to play Max Verstappen at his own game, the problem is that he doesn't know the rules of that game."
• Shortly after, Norris was also overtaken by George Russell, as the McLaren driver chose to yield rather than risk further incidents, indicating a more cautious approach after his initial error.
• Post-Race Disqualification: Despite his on-track performance, Norris was later disqualified due to excessive skid block wear on his MCL39, costing him crucial championship points.

The Big Picture:

Despite the setback in Las Vegas and the subsequent disqualification, Lando Norris still holds a 24-point lead heading into the final sprint event of the season in Qatar. This championship remains within his grasp, but the incident against Verstappen serves as a stark reminder of the intense competition.

What's next:

Norris will head to Qatar with the primary objective of managing his 24-point lead and securing his maiden title. He will need to be extra cautious not only of his teammate but also of an increasingly threatening Verstappen. The race in Losail will present his first real championship match point, requiring a calculated and precise approach to avoid further costly errors and clinch the title.