Norris has already beaten Verstappen once this year – with his maiden victory at the Miami Grand Prix back in early May. And since that race he and his team have emerged as Red Bull’s most consistent rivals.
Norris was in the fight for victory with Verstappen in Canada, Spain and Austria. Each time fine margins denied them. But Norris says that while he knows the size of his challenge, he can feel more wins are on the way.
“We’re going against what everyone has been saying as the most competitive car in history,” he says, “one of, if not the, best driver ever in F1. A very competitive team.
“And to go up against one of these groups or teams in general you need everything to go pretty much perfectly, and things are almost there. But it’s that last 1%. It’s a little bit from the car, a little bit from myself.”
Gone is the domination of 2022 and 2023. At every race now there is an expectation that McLaren will be fighting for victory with Verstappen.
And if Norris could find that little bit extra this weekend, and take a home win, it would be extra special.
“If I could win anywhere and only once, it would be Silverstone,” Norris says.
“I’m very, very excited. Just because it’s the fans and the atmosphere, the feeling you get, the smile on your face. I’m just excited for all of it. It gives you a buzz and energy that you don’t get anywhere else.
“I’m looking forward to it. And with the knowledge in the back of your mind that you could go on and get another podium or a race win, it motivates everyone that little bit more.”
2024-07-04 06:01:16
#Lando #Norris #Nervewracking #battles #Verstappen #confidence #McLaren
