Verstappen Reaffirms Norris Champion Prediction as Title Race Heats Up
Max Verstappen reiterated his belief that Lando Norris's time to win a championship would come, a prediction now on the cusp of reality. With three rounds left, Norris leads the Drivers' Championship by 49 points over Verstappen, having dominated recent races. While Verstappen acknowledges his slim chances, George Russell predicts McLaren might struggle in Las Vegas, potentially setting the stage for a dramatic title showdown.
Max Verstappen says he 'meant it' when he told Lando Norris his 'time would come,' a prediction now on the verge of fruition. Twelve months after their warm exchange in Las Vegas where Verstappen secured his fourth world title, Norris is now positioned to contend for his maiden F1 championship with three rounds remaining. The McLaren driver currently holds a 24-point lead over teammate Oscar Piastri and is 49 points ahead of Verstappen.
Why it matters:
- Verstappen's original prediction highlights the long-standing respect and rivalry between two of F1's most talented drivers.
- Norris's current championship lead signifies a potential paradigm shift in Formula 1, challenging the established order and offering a fresh face at the top.
- A McLaren championship would validate years of development and investment, showcasing their return to elite competitiveness.
The details:
- Verstappen's Stance: Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen stated, "What I said last year, I meant - simple as that. There's nothing that I lied about." He added, "It's quite clear, right, this season. Sometimes, you just need to be a bit patient and wait for your moment."
- Norris's Momentum: Norris has dominated the last two rounds in Mexico and Brazil, building significant momentum heading into the season-ending triple-header.
- Driver Development: Verstappen noted Norris's growth, stating, "Every year you also grow and learn from past mistakes or weekends where you think you could have done a better job, and that goes for everyone."
- Championship Scenario: If Norris outscores Verstappen by nine points or more in Las Vegas, Verstappen will be officially eliminated from championship contention with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi still to come.
- Verstappen's Outlook: Despite initial despair after Brazil, Verstappen's tune has shifted slightly. While acknowledging the need for "a lot of luck," he's focused on "good weekends till the end," rather than title aspirations.
- Russell's Prediction: George Russell expects McLaren to struggle more than usual in Las Vegas due to track characteristics similar to Canada and Baku (cold conditions, tarmac type, C5 tyre, low downforce) where McLaren also underperformed. He anticipates Red Bull to be Mercedes' biggest threat.
What's next:
- The Las Vegas Grand Prix is crucial for both Norris to solidify his lead and for Verstappen to keep his slim title hopes alive. Verstappen likely needs a win in Las Vegas with both McLaren drivers off the podium for any realistic chance.
- The outcome of the upcoming triple-header will determine if Norris can convert his strong season into a maiden F1 World Championship, a story that would cap off a truly exciting year in the sport.
- The championship battle now hinges on consistency and performance in the final three races, promising a dramatic conclusion to the season.