By Joe Murphy
Lando Norris has become the nearest thing Max Verstappen has to a title contender in 2024. After two consecutive years of coasting to World Championships, it is the first time since 2021 where the Red Bull driver hasn’t had it his own way. A 23 second winning margin at Zandvort last time out exemplified this.
The question remains, has Lando really got enough to challenge Max and claim a world maiden championship this season?
Well firstly, McLaren absolutely can win the constructors championship this season. As it stands at the time of writing, Red Bull are only 30 points ahead of the Orange team with 434 points. This margin is closing race by race and could even be overturned this weekend at Monza.
A large reason for this comes down to Oscar Piastri being rather more competitive than Sergio Perez, with the Mexican enduring a torrid run of results in what is supposed to be the fastest car. However, Max has also fallen victim to McLaren on several occasions this season already.
Currently, there is 70 points in it. 295 to Verstappen with Lando back on 225. An enhanced season means there is 9 races left to go.
Now of course, mathematically, Lando could overtake Verstappen by the end of September with a couple of DNF’s and victories swinging the right way. In comparison, it could nearly be over by that same point.
A 70 point margin being closed in 9 races means around an 8 point lead being closed every race. Interesting that a win and fastest lap for Lando would guarantee this margin every race, no matter how Verstappen finishes.
Will it happen? Probably not. 70 points is perhaps around double what realistically could be closed with the remaining races. If he is to have any chance, Lando needs to get that gap down to a maximum of 50 points over the next three races. He needs to be perfect and may even require the help of his teammate.
On the other hand, Max getting back to back wins in Italy and Monza should just about see him there in terms of being a four time champion elect.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 