Lando Norris has dismissed suggestions that Max Verstappen’s return to form in the Formula 1 title race is a surprise, insisting it’s exactly what he expected. The McLaren driver believes Verstappen and Red Bull’s resurgence was inevitable given their strength, experience, and consistency throughout recent seasons.
Since the summer break, Verstappen has reasserted himself as a serious contender by winning three of the last six races. His performances have significantly cut into the early-season advantage held by McLaren’s drivers, Oscar Piastri and Norris, reigniting a tense three-way championship battle heading into the final stretch of the season.
Despite Verstappen’s charge, Norris managed to regain the lead in the standings following his strong performance at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The British driver now sits 36 points ahead of Verstappen, with four races remaining and 116 points still available — meaning the title fight is far from over.
Norris’s remarks highlight the mutual respect between the two drivers, as well as his understanding of the competitive nature of Formula 1. He acknowledged that a driver of Verstappen’s caliber could never be counted out, even after a challenging midseason period for Red Bull.
As the championship battle intensifies, Norris remains focused on consistency and execution rather than surprise results. With both Red Bull and McLaren pushing hard for the title, fans can expect a dramatic finish to the season as two of F1’s brightest stars go head-to-head for championship glory.
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