Norris hits a career crossroads: Verstappen has the Brit in his pocket
Column
Friendship in sport is often a wonderful thing. Within Formula 1, it's a common occurrence. That's not a surprise either because the 20 drivers see each other most weekends and travel the world together. Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are good mates and could be about to turn arch enemies like Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton once did. But things need to change for Norris because at the moment, Max Verstappen is taking advantage of the situation between the two.
The balance of power within Formula 1 has changed drastically over the last six months. Once again, Red Bull started the year in fine form but no longer have the fastest car at most (if not all) circuits in F1. Red Bull are still quick, and (at least) Max Verstappen is still managing to score decent results. Though he is currently on his longest win draught since 2021.
Along with the question of when Red Bull's dominance would end, most people in F1 wondered who would take over from Red Bull. That answer is still not clear, but McLaren is consistently at the top on a variety of different circuits in a range of different temperatures. They have two wins to their name, but that should be more. Canada, Austria, and arguably Spain are just three examples of wins that slipped through their fingers.
Time for Norris to get angry
The situation in the championship also backs up that fact. McLaren is now within 42 points in the constructors' championship, a difference that could be overturned in one single Grand Prix weekend. The drivers' championship is a little bit different. There's a 78-point difference between Verstappen and Norris with 10 Grands Prix (plus three sprints) remaining.
A tough ask. In fact, it's a very steep challenge and one that will likely depend on at least a couple of DNFs on Verstappen's side, even in the unlikely situation Norris was to win most races. Especially given the fact that Mercedes and Ferrari are also there, taking points from Norris. The fact is: Norris should have more points in the World Championship. He should've beaten Oscar Piastri in Hungary. He should've got off the line better in Belgium. He should've been in a better place in Canada.
The Brit has once again been harsh on himself: "I've given away a lot of points over the last three or four races just because of stupid stuff, mistakes, and bad starts," Norris told GPblog and others in the Belgium GP paddock before almost beating himself up. Norris was simply furious.
Whether Norris is being too harsh on himself or not seems to divide fans. But actually, he's only being truthful. Norris needs to get angry. Ultimately he will know whether or not he is getting the best out of himself by beating himself up.
Norris needs to learn from Verstappen
Last week, Peter Windsor delivered a brutal assessment of Norris. He suggested he should drastically change his lifestyle, including cutting off social media and leaving Monaco. It's not the 1990s anymore. But Norris does need to get rid of the mistakes. He cannot be making the key mistakes in a World Championship battle. And in the remaining 10 races, Norris has to prove he is the number one driver at McLaren.
If Norris does eventually want to beat Verstappen, he absolutely has to take the next step in his development now. Otherwise, Norris is going to get left behind. Over the last four race weekends, Piastri isn't far from doubling Norris' points tally. The Australian has scored 80, compared to Norris' 49. There is an internal battle happening at McLaren. One that perhaps isn't clear to the public, but one that is very important nontheless.
Norris needs to make sure he wins it, and wins it comfortably over the next ten races. Otherwise he risks becoming the next, Valtteri Bottas, Rubens Barrichello or Jean Alesi. Very good drivers, but just not enough to take it to the next level. The next ten races will go a long way in deciding who starts 2025 on the front foot at McLaren. A year in which they really can challenge for both Championships.