F1 News
Arnoux: 'Norris can beat Verstappen under one condition'
An important question remains unanswered in the current F1 season: Will Max Verstappen, or will Lando Norris become the 2024 world champion? Entering the final part of the season, the Dutchman still leads in the changing, but the British driver has been able to cut the gap considerably with his current McLaren car. Former driver Rene Arnoux believes Norris can become the champion this year.
Arnoux believes Norris can outscore the Dutchman in the final six weekend, but he has to improve in one specific area. "In theory, yes, I think Norris can do it. Mind you, 52 points is a lot, but the way he is going now and the way his McLaren is, a comeback is possible. On one condition: he has to learn how to start. Because there is no point in taking pole if you start badly and lose three or four positions," the Frenchman told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Team orders with Norris and Piastri at McLaren
According to Arnoux, McLaren will also have to use team orders to help the British driver. "And then the team's strategy has to be scrutinised: if Piastri starts racing for himself, it will be much more difficult for Lando," the seven-time Grand Prix winner concluded.
This weekend, the US Grand Prix will be held at the Circuit of the Americas. With six Grands Prix and three Sprints remaining, Verstappen is defending a 52-point lead in the standings.
This article was written in collaboration with Esteban den Toom
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