F1 News

bortoleto praises verstappen and sees difference with norris

McLaren driver gives clear verdict: 'Verstappen has prevailed over Norris'

12 August at 09:00
Last update 12 August at 10:28
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  • Ludo van Denderen

In the final 10 Grands Prix of the season, McLaren hopes to knock Red Bull Racing off the throne and secure the constructors' (and perhaps even drivers'?) world title. The omens are good, according to Gabriel Bortoleto. The Formula 2 driver is under contract to McLaren and is convinced that the British are currently the best team in Formula 1.

"Red Bull is a bit behind us and doesn't have as fast a car as McLaren," stated the Brazilian, in a podcast of the Motorsport.com edition in his native country. Yet McLaren is not in first place in either championship. There is a reason for that, believes the talented driver, who captured the Formula 3 title in '23. His name is Max Verstappen.

"Without a doubt [Verstappen makes the difference]," Bortoleto continued. "It has been like that for a while. He makes it seem like it's all Perez's fault, but it is not. I would say that Max [Verstappen] is the one who makes the difference. His qualifying laps are at the highest level. Other drivers can reach that level too, but he is the one who always delivers the maximum potential of his car. Even in the battles during the races, he fights for his life on the track. That is a huge quality that has allowed him to win a lot of titles so far."

Verstappen is more aggressive in duels than Norris

Bortoleto also praised Verstappen for his battles on track, which are so strong that Verstappen was already able to win so much as a result. Lando Norris has not won much yet. "I do believe McLaren is the better team, but in all the battles Verstappen had with Lando [Norris], he prevailed because he is more agressive and takes more risks"

This article has been written in collaboration with Matt Gretton