Lando Norris Sets Sights on Verstappen in Title Chase

Lando Norris has been narrowing the gap to drivers’ championship leader Max Verstappen since the summer break but can he overtake the Dutchman in the final six races of the 2024 season? The analysis explores what Norris needs to do, the potential factors at play and whether history offers any encouragement.

The remaining six races are as follows:

– 18-20 October: United States Grand Prix (sprint event)
– 25-27 October: Mexican Grand Prix
– 1-3 November: Brazilian Grand Prix (sprint event)
– 22-24 November: Las Vegas Grand Prix
– 29 November-1 December: Qatar Grand Prix (sprint event)
– 6-8 December: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Currently, Norris trails Verstappen by 52 points with 180 points available across the six races. To catch up, he must average 8.9 points per race. This requirement exceeds the gap between finishing first and second but is less than the gap between first and third. Points distribution for the top 10 finishers is as follows: 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1. Sprint events provide additional points with the sprint winner earning eight points.

Verstappen has won all three sprint races this season but he hasn’t finished first since June. Fastest laps could also be crucial, as the driver setting the fastest lap gets one extra point if they finish in the top 10. Team dynamics may play a role too; if McLaren’s Oscar Piastri can outperform Verstappen it will diminish the Red Bull driver’s scoring potential.

Lando Norris does not require assistance from Ferrari and Mercedes but it would benefit him if they could impede Verstappen’s progress. Despite previous expectations, track performance can be unpredictable as seen in past races. Should both drivers end up with equal points, the championship would be decided based on the number of race wins. Historically, drivers like Kimi Raikkonen and Alain Prost have made significant comebacks to win the title.

Red Bull initially had a faster car but McLaren’s significant upgrades in Miami have made them competitive. With Verstappen still favored due to his lead, McLaren is poised to challenge for the constructors’ title as they look ahead to the remaining races.