Norris encourages Mercedes: 'Better chance to fight Max for the title'

Verstappen completed the most dominant season in Formula 1 history by winning 86% of the races in the 2023 season. He then went on to win the first two races in 2024, putting the competition to shame. But since the Australian Grand Prix, Red Bull's rivals are back in the game. Both Ferrari and McLaren have won races. Last time out in Canada, Mercedes made their way onto the podium for the first time in the current season through George Russell. Lewis Hamilton also drove in the podium places towards the end of the race but missed out to his teammate.

Can Norris fight for the World Championship in 2024?

Norris finished the race in second, and admitted he could've won in Canada. But Norris was encouraged by Mercedes' performance. Two weeks later in Spain, Norris has explained how Toto Wolff's team can help him defeat Verstappen.

"It's tough, but there are probably more chances and possibilities now [of challenging Verstappen for the title], especially if Mercedes are in the fight. More chance to have a bigger swing of points rather than a bad weekend where Max was third or fourth or something. It could be that it's a fifth or a sixth, and if you can be that one guy that wins, within one weekend, you can turn quite a lot of points around fairly quickly," Norris said optimistically.

"He's still going to be a good amount of points. He's just strong in all areas. It's rare that he makes mistakes, it's rare that he messes up qualifying. There's also a bit more pressure now, you never know how that changes, it's always easier to make mistakes. I think it's tough because you can't doubt Max in any area, he doesn't have a weakness outright," he added.

Norris concluded the conversation by looking at his own team. He said McLaren and himself will need to be very consistent throughout the rest of the season to stand a chance on capitalising on any potential gains.