Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle recently discussed some of the key reasons Lando Norris has struggled to keep up with Max Verstappen in the 2024 Formula 1 season. While Norris has demonstrated impressive speed and skill, Brundle believes that a lack of experience and a missing “killer instinct” may be holding him back from truly challenging Verstappen, who is known for his intense, no-holds-barred approach on the track.
In the Brazilian Grand Prix, Norris initially seemed poised to close the gap on Verstappen, starting from pole position while his Red Bull rival was far back on the grid in 17th. However, despite his promising position, Norris fell to sixth, whereas Verstappen powered through the field to claim a resounding victory. This race highlighted what Brundle sees as the main obstacle for Norris: the experience to navigate high-stakes championship battles consistently.
Brundle noted that Verstappen’s aggressive, often “brutal” racing style is a significant advantage in high-pressure situations. Norris, while exceptionally talented, hasn’t yet shown the relentless drive that Verstappen has honed over multiple championship seasons. Brundle suggests that if Norris can gain experience and refine his approach, he could become a stronger contender, but he still has lessons to learn from this season’s battles with Verstappen.
Despite McLaren’s competitive car, Norris has struggled to match Verstappen’s results this season. With Verstappen’s early dominance in the first ten races, Norris found himself unable to close the points gap, even as McLaren made strides in car performance. Brundle observed that Norris would need several strong finishes and some lucky breaks in the remaining races to have a real shot at closing in on Verstappen this season.
Ultimately, Brundle is optimistic about Norris’s future, noting that this season’s experience could help him develop the skills and mindset needed to take on the top drivers. Whether he can match Verstappen’s intensity remains to be seen, but Norris’s journey through this challenging season could set the stage for him to emerge as a true championship contender in the coming years.