Lando Norris believes that Ferrari are McLaren’s biggest challengers in the constructors title. With just three races left in the championship, Norris analyses the state of play at the front.
Norris reveals mentality heading into final races
For the first time since 2012, three teams are legitimate contenders for the F1 constructors championship.
In a season where most teams have experienced highs and lows in performance, McLaren have shown immense consistency.
Since the Miami upgrade package, the MCL38 has established itself as the fastest car on the grid.
However, a series of unforced errors from Andrea Stella’s have allowed Ferrari to stay within touching distance.
Whilst Sergio Perez has failed to reinforce Max Verstappen at Red Bull, both Ferrari drivers have taken multiple wins in 2024.
The strength of Ferrari’s driver pairing will be significant until the chequered flag is waved in Abu Dhabi.
Norris: “Almost no focus on Red Bull”
Upgrades to the SF-24 have made the difference, with Lando Norris naming the Scuderia as McLaren’s main threat:
“Our challenge is not with Red Bull, it’s with Ferrari,” he told Sky Sports.
“I’ve said it many, many times. It was clear for a long time, that Ferrari were going to be our biggest contenders over Red Bull.
“So no, there’s almost no focus on Red Bull. There’s focus on executing our programme, executing our own potential.
“The rest will take care of itself.”
Updates and DNFs could be difference-makers
Only 36 points separate McLaren and Ferrari heading into the Las Vegas GP.
Ferrari are expected to bring a series of updates this weekend, consistent with the team’s established development strategy.
This could offer the team a decisive edge in the final rounds, although optimising these updates to ensure they work as expected will still be a challenge.
In any case, fine margins will determine this year’s championship outcome. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are well aware of Ferrari’s capabilities.
The Italian team’s performance post-Monza has been exceptional, with corrections to the SF-24 putting Ferrari back in contention for regular wins.
Only Carlos Sainz’s DNF at Interlagos has afforded McLaren some breathing space in the standings.
With another sprint in Qatar upcoming, there are plenty of points to be won and lost.
