As the 2024 F1 season races towards its finale, fans and analysts are buzzing with anticipation over a question: Is Lando Norris capable of beating Max Verstappen and seizing the championship title? With multiple races still to go, the stage is perfectly set for an electrifying battle between two of the sport’s brightest talents.
It initially seemed that Verstappen would have a firm grip on the season, given Red Bull’s impressive start, but the tides have shifted in Norris’ favor. The McLaren driver has been consistently closing the gap on the world championship leader, accumulating points in each of the last four races.
Verstappen is on the hunt for his fourth consecutive F1 title, while Norris aims to secure his first championship crown. After a brief break, the season’s thrilling conclusion is set, featuring two triple-header weekends. Following the Sprint weekend in Austin, the action will continue with the Mexico City Grand Prix (October 25-27) and the Sao Paulo Grand Prix (November 1-3).
After another short break, the season will wrap up with the Las Vegas Grand Prix (November 22-24), the Qatar Grand Prix (November 29-December 1), and finally the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (December 6-8).
So which driver has the edge going into the final six races?
Norris has been outstanding this season. The young British driver has continually tested the limits, demonstrating both his skill and composure on the track. His impressive results, featuring several podium finishes and a win at the Monaco Grand Prix, have solidified his reputation as one of the brightest talents in Formula 1. Thanks to McLaren’s significant upgrades and enhanced competitiveness, Norris has shown he can compete at the front, frequently keeping pace with the Red Bulls.
Verstappen is likely to take another power unit this season which would mean that the Dutchman will take a 10-place grid penalty in one of the remaining races. Sources close to Marco Helmut have revealed that Red Bull will take the penalty in Interlagos, Brazil as the overtaking is usually easy in Sao Paulo. Further, the struggles of Red Bull have already been seen when it comes to the street circuits with the Milton Keans outfit struggling in Miami, Azerbaijan, and Monaco, making Las Vegas another headache for the reigning world champions.
That being said, Verstappen still has a 52-point lead at the top of the championship. Norris will face a significant challenge given Verstappen’s proven ability to thrive under pressure. The 26-year-old’s mental capability in high-pressure situations underscores his championship experience. In contrast, Norris has not encountered a title battle of this scale, and his ability to cope with the increasing pressure will be crucial in determining if he can genuinely compete with Verstappen.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
