Brown believes Norris can push Verstappen: "One of the fastest drivers"

"I would say if we look at what he was like as a rookie versus now, he makes very few mistakes," Brown said. " Not that he made a lot of mistakes as a rookie, but more. Rarely misses a sector when he needs to put it together. I would say his racecraft is extremely strong. His pace has always been there. His pace remains fantastic. I think he's definitely one of the fastest drivers in Formula One."

No frustration with Norris

The 23-year-old driver has been on the podium 12 times but has yet to win one. He was close on a number of occasions, though, in Russia (2021) or more recently this year in Singapore and the United States. It is Norris's main goal, and the fact that it has taken so long - where contemporaries like Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly and Carlos Sainz have already crossed the line first - perhaps niggles him a little.

Yet Brown senses little of pure frustration. "No, because I don't think we've given him a car capable of winning yet. We're getting closer, definitely getting more competitive. I think all racing drivers, if they feel it if they didn't maximise a qualifying session or a race, so he was obviously frustrated in Qatar. He made some uncharacteristic track limit mistakes, and he was definitely not alone," the McLaren SEO alludes to Norris' qualifying at the Losail International Circuit. A place on the front row of the grid was possible, but after his time was deleted, he fell back on the grid.

"I think he was frustrated there, of course, but I think it's momentary frustration. I think it's no different than any driver on the grid that if they feel they left something on the table, they get a little annoyed with themselves, but then they quickly recover, and he drove a brilliant race."

Compliments of Verstappen

According to Max Verstappen, McLaren has a particularly strong driver duo. Norris will be challenged by rookie Oscar Piastri. It's a development Brown is happy with, as he thinks the battle between them will help both drivers move forward.

"I think they're definitely pushing each other hard, but I think that's good for both of them. I think it's good for the team. A couple of track limits here and there, not very big mistakes compared to some of the mistakes you see some drivers make where they end up in the wall, not that they won't crash again sometime in the future, but I think they're pushing each other hard. I think they're learning from each other, and I do think it's an awesome driver lineup."