Max Verstappen’s recent victory in Sao Paulo marks his eighth win of the season, putting him in a strong position to clinch his fourth World Championship title in Las Vegas. All Verstappen needs to secure the championship is to score more points than Lando Norris or hope that Norris finishes below ninth without securing the fastest lap. As the season heads into this high-stakes moment, the competition between Verstappen and Norris highlights a critical factor that may give the reigning champion an edge: experience.
Former F1 driver Rubens Barrichello, a veteran of intense championship races with Ferrari and Brawn, discussed this on the Beyond the Grid podcast. Barrichello noted that Verstappen’s extensive experience in title races offers a key advantage over Norris, who has shown moments of inexperience, especially in high-pressure situations. Barrichello’s perspective draws from his own career, where he faced similar challenges in the heat of title competitions, giving his view extra weight.
Throughout the season, Norris has occasionally faltered, particularly in his strategy choices and race starts, which have sometimes led to disappointing outcomes. While Norris has proven to have a quicker initial reaction than Verstappen when the lights go out, he struggles in the second phase of the start, often losing out as the race progresses. This pattern has exposed areas where he lacks the consistency and adaptability that a more seasoned driver like Verstappen has developed over his years in the sport.
When discussing this with F1 journalist Tom Clarkson, Barrichello emphasized that Verstappen’s quest for a fourth title brings a confidence and reliability that comes only with experience. This, he believes, could be the deciding factor for Verstappen as he heads into Las Vegas. In a season with more unpredictable outcomes and fresh competition, Verstappen’s composure and expertise might provide the stability he needs to outlast his competitors.
Barrichello summed it up perfectly: “It’s a much more exciting year than last year. Turning on the TV and not knowing who’s going to win has made the season thrilling.” This unpredictability, however, may only intensify Verstappen’s determination, as his familiarity with the pressures of title battles could give him the final push to secure yet another championship.