Max Verstappen’s recent victories have revitalized hopes for Lando Norris in the 2024 Formula 1 championship fight, following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Verstappen’s title boost now places him within striking distance of Oscar Piastri, intensifying the competition with seven rounds still to go.
Red Bull’s Upgrades Fuel Verstappen’s Comeback
The defending world champion Max Verstappen secured consecutive wins in Monza and Baku, cutting the gap to Piastri to just 69 points. Red Bull’s performance improvements, particularly enhancements to the car’s floor, have played a critical role in this resurgence. The team’s approach has shifted to incorporate Verstappen’s direct input into car setup decisions rather than relying solely on data analysis.
This technical advancement has led many to believe Verstappen has re-entered the title race. The upcoming Singapore Grand Prix presents a significant challenge, demanding a high-downforce setup and dealing with much warmer track temperatures than previous circuits. Current predictions suggest McLaren may return to dominance on such a track, but if Red Bull stabilizes as the second strongest team, Verstappen could decisively influence the 2025 championship battle.
Norris’ Title Prospects Strengthened by Verstappen’s Return
McLaren faced their toughest weekend of the season in Azerbaijan, with Lando Norris finishing seventh after a subdued race. Nonetheless, Norris managed to close the gap on championship leader Oscar Piastri, who was forced out due to an early crash. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher sees Verstappen’s improved form as a significant positive for Norris’ chances.
Schumacher remarked on Sky Sport Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast:
“That’s also very important in this situation. If Lando manages to drive a good race and Max finishes between him and Oscar Piastri, he still has a realistic chance.”
Although Norris faced criticism for losing positions early to Isack Hadjar and Charles Leclerc, and a slow McLaren pit stop thwarted opportunities to undercut rivals like Yuki Tsunoda, Schumacher defended Norris’s overall performance.
He added:
“In my opinion, that wasn’t enough. Lando could have gotten more out of it. He should have been further up in qualifying. That would have made a difference. The race usually builds up quite differently. He still has to work on that.”
Despite those shortcomings, Schumacher praised Norris for his cautious and clean race:
“Nevertheless, unlike his teammate, he drove a flawless race. He tried, but didn’t take any risks. So, hats off to him. Lando was also pleased that Oscar, who has occasionally thrown some jabs at him, made a mistake himself.”
Looking Ahead to Singapore and the Championship Battle
The Singapore Grand Prix will be a critical point in the title race, testing Red Bull’s ability to maintain their new pace. The high-downforce requirements and heat could see McLaren’s strengths return to the fore, giving Norris a promising opportunity to capitalize on Verstappen’s momentum by solidifying his position against Piastri. Should Red Bull hold as a strong contender, Verstappen’s presence will continue to apply pressure on the leading drivers, shaping the unfolding championship narrative.
