Verstappen Reaffirms Norris' Title Potential: 'Nothing I Lied About'

Max Verstappen has reiterated his long-held belief that Lando Norris' time in Formula 1 will eventually come, especially as the McLaren driver is now on the cusp of clinching his first F1 Drivers' Championship. Verstappen, who secured his fourth title at last season's Las Vegas Grand Prix, had famously told Norris that his day would arrive, a statement he now stands by.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's consistent backing of Norris highlights the respect and rivalry between the two top-tier drivers. With Norris now leading the championship standings with just two rounds remaining, Verstappen's earlier prediction appears prescient, underscoring Norris's significant growth and potential. A new champion would undoubtedly energize the sport and shift the competitive dynamic at the top.

The details:

• Norris's Transformation: When asked if he observes a different Norris this year, Verstappen noted that Norris's "weekends seem to be really coming together very nicely," indicating a significant improvement in overall performance and consistency.
• Universal Growth: Verstappen also emphasized that every driver learns and grows from past mistakes, a natural progression not unique to Norris but particularly evident in his recent form.
• Championship Standing: Norris currently holds a 24-point lead over his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and Verstappen in the standings, making him a strong favorite for the title.
• Remarkable Comeback: Seven rounds ago, Norris was 34 points behind his teammate. However, a concerted and strong second half of the season has seen him turn the championship battle on its head.
• Las Vegas Disqualification: Despite both McLaren MCL39s being disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix results, Norris's performance before the exclusion had put him 30 points clear of Piastri and 42 ahead of Verstappen.
• Verstappen's Stance: Reaffirming his previous comments, Verstappen stated, "What I said last year, I meant — simple as that. There's nothing that I lied about, and it's quite clear, right, this season. Sometimes, you just need to be a bit patient and wait for your moment."

The big picture:

Lando Norris's journey to the brink of a world championship has been a testament to his perseverance and development. His ability to overcome a significant points deficit and lead the standings illustrates his maturity and McLaren's strong progress. Verstappen's acknowledgement further solidifies Norris's status as a legitimate title contender, signaling a potential shift in the sport's pecking order.

What's next:

With only two rounds left, all eyes will be on Norris to see if he can maintain his composure and convert his substantial lead into a maiden world championship. His performance in the upcoming races will not only determine the title but also set the tone for future seasons, potentially igniting a new era of rivalry with drivers like Verstappen.