Despite a strong start to the season, Lando Norris has been told that he’s missing a critical edge in his pursuit of the Formula 1 title against Max Verstappen. At the recent United States Grand Prix in Austin, Verstappen extended his lead in the championship race, pushing Norris 57 points behind with just five rounds remaining. This gap widened further due to a late-race time penalty Norris received after an illegal overtake on Verstappen, which cost him six valuable points.
The penalty at Austin wasn’t the only factor that held Norris back. Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert noted that the Briton’s “nice guy” approach might actually be his biggest disadvantage in a rivalry with a fiercely competitive Verstappen. Herbert suggested that Norris might need a tougher, more assertive approach if he hopes to challenge the Dutch driver for the title effectively.
Many in the F1 community, including Norris himself, have expressed frustration with the stewards’ decisions during the season, especially as they’ve sometimes impacted the race outcome. After the Austin race, Norris voiced disappointment over what he saw as inconsistent officiating, while others believe that this inconsistency may have worked to Verstappen’s advantage. Nevertheless, the McLaren driver remains committed to his pursuit, though his road to the top has become increasingly challenging.
Norris’ climb in the standings is further complicated by Verstappen’s continued dominance. Known for his aggressive driving style, Verstappen has consistently leveraged every opportunity to maintain his lead, showing that he’s willing to push boundaries and capitalize on his rivals’ errors. This approach has helped him rack up points and extend his title defense, leaving his competitors, including Norris, struggling to keep up.
With only a few races left this season, Norris faces an uphill battle not only against a formidable Verstappen but also against the strategic demands of high-stakes racing. The Briton will need to tap into his competitive instincts, sharpen his racecraft, and perhaps adopt a more assertive stance if he hopes to stay in contention for the F1 crown.