Just In: Max Verstappen currently holds a sizeable lead in the drivers’ championship with Lando Norris sitting in… Read More.
Max Verstappen currently holds a sizeable lead in the drivers’ championship with Lando Norris sitting in… Read More.
Lewis Hamilton believes that while it would be an enormous challenge for Lando Norris to overtake Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship this year, it is not entirely impossible.
Currently, Verstappen holds a significant lead in the standings, with Norris trailing by 78 points as the season heads into its final 10 rounds.
Norris has emerged as Verstappen’s closest competitor this season, thanks to McLaren’s impressive development, which has brought the team to the forefront of the competition.
McLaren now trails Red Bull by just 42 points in the constructors’ standings, underscoring the team’s progress.
Despite Verstappen’s commanding lead, Hamilton acknowledges that Red Bull has been remarkably strong throughout the season, making the Dutch driver the clear favorite for the title.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Hamilton noted that he had once been in a similar situation, trailing by a considerable margin in the championship race.
He emphasized the challenge Norris faces, especially considering Red Bull’s consistent performance this year.
Hamilton pointed out that Red Bull’s car has been near flawless, aside from one race where Verstappen’s engine failed. This level of reliability and performance has made Red Bull a formidable force in the championship.
Norris, who has only secured one race victory in the first 14 rounds, has maintained his position near the top of the standings through consistent podium finishes.
In contrast, Verstappen has won seven races but has not secured a victory in the last four events, which has allowed Norris to stay within striking distance.
Hamilton believes that while the odds are stacked against Norris, there is still a slim chance for the McLaren driver to challenge Verstappen.
He described the task as a “very, very high, huge challenge,” but emphasized that it is “absolutely not impossible.”
Hamilton also highlighted the strength of McLaren’s driver lineup, suggesting that the team has the potential to compete with Red Bull and capitalize on any opportunities that arise in the remaining races.
Hamilton’s assessment underscores the difficulty of the task ahead for Norris but also leaves the door open for a possible upset.
As the season progresses, Norris and McLaren will need to maximize their performance to keep the pressure on Verstappen and Red Bull, aiming to close the gap in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
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