Lando Norris backed to beat Max Verstappen to ...... Read more

Lando Norris backed to beat Max Verstappen to F1 title by world champion

Jenson Button has expressed confidence that Lando Norris has the potential to surpass Max Verstappen and secure the Formula 1 world championship this season. Currently, Verstappen, the reigning world champion, leads Norris by 52 points, with just six races and three sprint events left in the calendar. The championship battle resumes with the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin.

Verstappen started the season strongly, winning seven of the first ten races, which allowed him to establish a significant lead. Red Bull’s dominance during the early part of the season placed Verstappen in a commanding position. However, a surprising shift has occurred; Verstappen has not won a race in the last eight outings. In contrast, Norris has shown remarkable form, claiming two victories during this stretch and consistently outpacing Verstappen in all but one race. This resurgence has helped Norris chip away at the championship gap.

On the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Button, the 2009 world champion, shared his insights on the evolving situation. He acknowledged Norris’s capabilities, stating, “Yeah, I think he [Norris] can [win the title].” Button reflected on his own experiences as a championship contender when the performance of his car waned mid-season, highlighting the psychological challenges that accompany such a situation. He emphasized that Verstappen is a resilient competitor who usually handles pressure well, but noted that the current circumstances present unique challenges.

Button pointed out that Verstappen may have internally resigned himself to a conservative approach, focusing on securing points rather than seeking victories. This mindset can add an additional layer of difficulty, as aiming merely for points can sometimes hinder performance and make achieving podium finishes more elusive.

Beyond Norris, Button noted the contributions of his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, who has also delivered impressive results. He mentioned that the competitive landscape has broadened, with teams like Mercedes and Ferrari becoming serious contenders. The potential for all these teams to perform at a high level in a single race poses a risk for Red Bull, especially if their car struggles to match its earlier season performance. This scenario could lead to a significant loss of points for Verstappen in a short span.

Button concluded that the current state of Formula 1 is highly competitive and exhilarating, with multiple teams vying for victories. He expressed surprise at the level of competition this season, remarking on the unexpected but welcome sight of four teams battling for race wins. This dynamic creates a thrilling environment for fans and adds complexity to the championship race.

In summary, while Verstappen still holds a significant lead, the pressure is mounting as Norris gains momentum. Button’s insights reflect a belief that the championship is far from settled, with Norris and McLaren positioned to capitalize on any missteps by Red Bull. As the season progresses, the upcoming races are set to be pivotal in determining whether Norris can indeed challenge Verstappen for the title,