Today’s Brazilian GP was arguably the most race of the Championship so far. Max Verstappen is now within touching distance of a fourth title, whilst Lando Norris is effectively out of the race. Speaking post-race, Norris has made the case that Red Bull’s superior pace was decisive.
Norris points to Red Bull superiority after Verstappen win
For the majority of 2024, Max Verstappen has worked on damage limitation – as McLaren brought consistent updates to the MCL38.
Despite lacking the best machinery, Verstappen managed to maintain a significant points gap to Norris heading into this weekend’s action in Brazil.
Still, few could have predicted the Dutchman would create a 63-point advantage over Norris in the standings after today’s race.
The 27-year-old showed blistering pace and impeccable instinct to surge up the field at Interlagos. Such a performance will be remembered as a decisive one in the 2024 title race.
However, Lando Norris believes that Red Bull’s RB20 was comfortably the fastest car in Brazil:
“We weren’t quick enough. Max was easily quicker than us,” Norris told the media.
“I think if he went from the front, he probably would have lapped us.
“Pace [of McLaren] was good, I think similar to George. But the Red Bull was way faster.”
Over the last few hours, Norris has delivered several comments like this in response to Verstappen’s victory.
From the British driver’s perspective, a combination of misfortune and inferior machinery were the main limitations in his quest for victory.
Inevitably, this interpretation is being challenged.
Red Bull’s Helmut Marko, in typical fashion, is singing the praises of Max Verstappen following today’s result.
The same can be said about Christian Horner, who described the Dutchman’s victory in Brazil as evidence he is “with some of the greats” in Formula 1.
There is a three-week break until the next Grand Prix in Las Vegas.
McLaren will use this time to lick their wounds and regroup – albeit in the knowledge that the drivers title is no longer in their hands.
