Norris Unfazed by Verstappen’s Comeback: « Always Treated Him as a Threat »

Short Excerpt: Lando Norris downplays Max Verstappen closing to 24 points in the 2025 F1 championship, stating McLaren treated the Dutchman as a constant threat all season long.

Norris Remains Calm Despite Verstappen’s Title Surge

Lando Norris maintains that Max Verstappen closing to 24 points behind in the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship « changes nothing, » as McLaren has consistently treated the Red Bull driver as a significant threat throughout the season. The British driver’s lead remains unchanged at 24 points over both Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri heading into the Qatar Grand Prix, despite Verstappen’s Las Vegas victory and McLaren’s double disqualification.

“Max closing the gap doesn’t change our approach. We’ve treated him as a threat since pre-season—whether he was 100 points behind or 24. Nothing changes.”

Las Vegas Disqualification Reshapes the Battle

McLaren’s Norris and Piastri were disqualified from second and fourth place at the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to excessive plank wear, handing Verstappen a maximum 25-point haul and drawing him level with Piastri on countback. Without the exclusions, Norris would lead by 42 points over Verstappen with just 58 points left available across Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

“The DSQ hurt, but the gap is still 24 points. Max and Oscar are equally strong threats—always have been.”

McLaren’s Consistent Threat Assessment

Throughout 2025, McLaren never underestimated Verstappen despite his mid-season struggles, incorporating him into every race preparation as a potential challenger. Norris highlighted Red Bull’s late resurgence but affirmed the team’s mindset remains steady, focusing on maximum performance without alteration.

“We never wrote Max off. Red Bull found pace, but our plan stays the same: execute perfectly, no panic.”

Team principal Andrea Stella echoes this by refusing to prioritize Norris over Piastri while both remain mathematically alive, maintaining equal treatment amid the championship pressure.

Qatar Opportunity for Norris to Clinch Title

Norris can secure his maiden world championship at the Qatar Grand Prix—a sprint weekend offering 33 points—if he outscores both rivals by at least two points across the events. Verstappen’s recent form adds intensity, but Norris insists the scenario aligns with McLaren’s year-long preparations.

“Qatar is a chance to wrap it up, but we won’t change our approach. Win the sprint, win the race—same goal as always.”

Piastri described the Las Vegas outcome as a « net negative » overall, as it kept him close to Norris but revived Verstappen’s challenge.