Max Verstappen warned as F1 icon tips third star to join Lando Norris...

Max Verstappen warned as F1 icon tips third star to join Lando Norris…read more

Max Verstappen recently secured his fourth Formula 1 title with two races remaining in the season, finishing ahead of Lando Norris in Las Vegas. Norris, driving for McLaren, is poised to secure a top-three position in the drivers’ standings, currently sitting in second place as the season approaches its conclusion with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix left to race.

Mika Hakkinen, a two-time World Champion with McLaren, reflected on the current dynamics in the F1 landscape. He noted that Norris has emerged as a strong contender, unexpectedly positioning himself as a significant rival to Verstappen this season. Hakkinen, who won his titles in 1998 and 1999 alongside teammate David Coulthard, highlighted that Norris’s performance has improved remarkably, and he should not feel disheartened about missing out on the title this year. With plenty of time ahead in his career, both he and McLaren have gained valuable insights from their experiences this season.

Oscar Piastri, Norris’s teammate, is also making waves, currently ranked fourth after clinching his maiden F1 victory in Hungary. Despite Verstappen’s dominance, there are indications that the gap between Red Bull and other teams is narrowing. Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull, has struggled this season and is significantly behind in the standings.

Hakkinen emphasized Verstappen’s growth as a driver and team leader, particularly in a