Norris on Verstappen and Piastri: "Both are as good as one another"

Lando Norris, leading the championship by 24 points, sees his two main rivals, teammate Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, as equally formidable contenders heading into the final two races. Despite recent disqualifications and shifts in momentum, Norris insists he will approach both drivers with the same competitive intensity.

Why it matters:

McLaren's recent disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix has significantly tightened the championship battle, bringing Max Verstappen back into realistic contention with just two races remaining. Norris's assessment of Piastri and Verstappen as equally capable highlights the intense, multi-faceted challenge he faces to secure the title for the first time.

The Details:

• Equal Rivals: Norris firmly believes that Piastri and Verstappen are "just as good as one another." He acknowledges Verstappen's known capabilities and asserts that Piastri is "capable of exactly the same."
• Las Vegas Disqualification: Both Norris and Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to a technical infringement by McLaren. This penalty effectively erased their points from the race, significantly narrowing Norris's lead and allowing Verstappen to close the gap.
• Verstappen's Resurgence: Red Bull and Verstappen have found strong form in recent months, with Verstappen securing a victory in Las Vegas. This performance has further solidified his position as a major threat.
• Piastri's Recent Form: In contrast, Piastri has not secured a race victory since the Dutch Grand Prix in late August, indicating a potential dip in individual form compared to the dominant early-season run.
• Championship Stakes: Verstappen has closed a substantial 100-point gap to Piastri since the summer break and is now only 24 points behind Norris, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season.

The Big Picture:

Norris has maintained a consistent lead, but the championship narrative has shifted dramatically. The initial dominance of McLaren, particularly Piastri's strong early season, has been challenged by Verstappen's relentless pursuit and McLaren's recent setback. This sets up a rare three-way title fight, reminiscent of classic F1 seasons, where team dynamics and individual performances will be under intense scrutiny.

What's next:

Norris expects a fierce fight on track against both rivals, stating, "Both have pros and cons. I think they're both competitive, they're both very strong, they're both incredible drivers and I'm excited to give them a good fight on track." The final two races will test Norris's ability to manage pressure and extract maximum performance from his McLaren, especially with the renewed threat from Verstappen and the internal challenge from Piastri.