Formula 1: Verstappen’s Consistency Putting Norris and McLaren in a Daunting Championship Chase
In the 2024 Formula 1 season, the performance gap between the top teams has narrowed, making single factors like race starts, safety cars, and tiny mistakes in qualifying decisive in determining the outcome of races. Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, can no longer rely solely on his Red Bull’s performance to cruise to victory by over 10 seconds. Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren have closed the gap, with each team having the fastest car at the past three races in Monaco, Canada, and Spain, respectively.
Verstappen’s impressive consistency has seen him extend his championship lead to 69 points over Lando Norris, but if Norris had capitalized on his could-have moments in the past four races, the gap could be as small as 21 points. This slim margin would make the championship battle more competitive, with 14 rounds remaining.
Norris acknowledges that his McLaren car has been incredible, and he should have won in Spain, citing a bad start as the reason for not doing so. However, Verstappen’s recent form and consistency have earned him every bit of praise he receives.
“Norris acknowledges that his McLaren car has been incredible, and he should have won in Spain, citing a bad start as the reason for not doing so.”
Looking back at the past four races, it’s clear that Norris could have scored more points. In Miami, Norris secured his first F1 victory, thanks in part to a well-timed safety car. Although Verstappen’s car suffered damage, it became apparent that McLaren’s performance upgrades were paying off.
In Imola, Verstappen secured his ninth pole position in a row, but the margin was noticeably smaller than before. Norris was just 0.091 seconds off Verstappen’s pace, and the McLaren driver believes he could have overtaken Verstappen if there had been an extra lap.
In Monaco, Norris struggled with Turns 3 and 4, losing 0.15 seconds to his teammate. This margins could have secured him second on the grid and potentially six additional points.
In Canada, Norris took the lead in wet conditions but lost it again under an unfortunately timed safety car. McLaren admitted it had a 1.5-second window to call Norris into the pits before he passed the pit lane entry, but failed to do so, missing the chance to stay ahead of Verstappen.
In Spain, Norris laid the blame for his failure to win on losing track position at the start. Despite Wheelspin as he grabbed second gear, Verstappen drew alongside him and forced his way past at Turn 1. Norris fought hard but ultimately lost the place, citing the one percent he was missing elsewhere.
While Norris acknowledges that McLaren has had the raw car performance to fight Red Bull, Verstappen’s metronomic consistency has kept him ahead. As Norris points out, it’s the smaller things that are making the difference, and it’s about eliminating small mistakes to stay competitive.
The Formula 1 schedule is heating up, and with 14 rounds remaining, the championship battle is far from over. Will Norris and McLaren be able to close the gap and challenge Verstappen for the title? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for more Formula 1 news, Formula 1 standings, and updates on the Formula 1 calendar.
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