Lando Norris Eyes Verstappen After Narrow Spanish GP Defeat

Lando Norris remains optimistic about challenging Max Verstappen for the Formula 1 title this season, despite narrowly missing out on victory to the Red Bull driver in the Spanish Grand Prix. Norris, driving for McLaren, finished just two seconds behind Verstappen, admitting he felt he could have performed better.

“We should have gained some points on Max,” Norris lamented. “There were opportunities in Canada and today where we could have beaten him. If I had made better decisions in Canada and had a stronger start today, we could have won two races.”

Lando Norris is 69 points behind Verstappen but believes McLaren can narrow the gap in the remaining 14 races. This season is the longest in F1 history. Verstappen currently leads the championship race but Norris appears to be his closest competitor.

The Spanish Grand Prix was closely contested. Norris started on pole but lost to Verstappen at the start. George Russell briefly led after using slipstreams from Norris and Verstappen before Verstappen passed him.

Norris acknowledged his start was crucial: “I had a bad start, plain and simple. After that, I couldn’t overtake George. The car was fantastic, and we were definitely the fastest, but that start cost us.”

Since McLaren’s major upgrade in Miami, Norris has consistently challenged at the front, winning one race and finishing second three times. He believes McLaren is now on par with Red Bull. Norris is confident about the upcoming races at the Red Bull Ring in Austria and Silverstone in the UK, tracks where he has historically performed well.

Looking ahead, Lando Norris remains focused on refining his performance: “I just need to tidy up a few things, and then we’ll be at the top.”

The battle with Verstappen has intensified, with both drivers acknowledging the close competition. Despite Verstappen’s consistent excellence, Norris and McLaren are poised to continue challenging for victories and narrowing the gap in the championship standings.