Lando Norris candidly discussed his current position in the World Championship in Qatar. The McLaren driver currently leads the standings by 24 points and could secure the championship this weekend. However, the Brit emphasizes that his competitors, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, still pose serious threats.
Following the double disqualification of both McLarens in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Norris’ lead in the World Championship has shrunk. After the disqualification, both Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen are now 24 points behind him. Norris, however, says he does not feel the pressure: “I feel relaxed. Just as when I was 35 points behind, I feel the same now that I am 24 points ahead.” The Brit explains that he and his team will approach the race normally this weekend, when he could become champion: “From engineers to mechanics, everyone treats it normally. There is no reason to do otherwise. We have done a good job and I am very happy with what we have achieved.”
Norris emphasized that both Verstappen and Piastri still pose a serious threat in the title fight: “Both are equally good. I know what Max can do and I think Oscar can do the same. There are pros and cons for both, such as the difference in team, but every driver wants to prove that he is the best. They are both competitive, strong, and incredibly talented.”
Verstappen Remains a Threat
Norris acknowledges the speed of Red Bull and the quality of Verstappen: “We know that Red Bull is fast, we expect him to be strong this weekend and in the upcoming races. Nothing needs to change in our approach. Red Bull has a great team and a great driver, that has been the case all season and it remains so. We still have to give everything, because Red Bull is just as fast.”
Norris emphasizes that he and McLaren have always seen Verstappen as a threat, even when he was 104 points behind then World Championship leader Piastri. “We have treated him as a threat all year, even when he was a few points behind. At every briefing, at every race, we as a team always have a plan and treat him as a threat. We know what he and Red Bull are capable of, so nothing changes there.”
