{"id":26965,"date":"2024-11-21T03:19:57","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T08:19:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/?p=26965"},"modified":"2024-11-21T03:19:57","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T08:19:57","slug":"norris-i-was-not-at-the-level-to-face-verstappen-in-early-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/21\/norris-i-was-not-at-the-level-to-face-verstappen-in-early-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Norris: “I was not at the level” to face Verstappen in early 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although Lando Norris<\/a> is still mathematically in the title fight, Max Verstappen is almost certain to claim a fourth consecutive title this year. Reflecting on his 2024 campaign, Norris admits there is room for improvement.<\/p>\n

Norris: I didn’t start the year at the necessary level<\/h2>\n

Analysts generally agree that McLaren have been the fastest team since the Miami GP – when the first major upgrades to the MCL28 were introduced.<\/p>\n

However, in the sixteen races since then, Verstappen has maintained and even extended his advantage over Lando Norris.<\/p>\n

Despite taking just one victory since the Spanish GP, the Dutchman’s tremendous consistency has allowed him to keep the championship lead.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a series of shortcomings at McLaren<\/a> have been costly. A combination of drive error, incorrect strategy and operational mistakes have all played a role.<\/p>\n

McLaren must accept that this year’s drivers title was theirs for the taking – and they let it slip through their fingers.<\/p>\n

Norris: I got off to a slow start<\/h4>\n

Norris believes there is a significant difference between his performances in the first and second half of the season:<\/p>\n

“I think it’s the first time in the last six years of Formula 1 when we’ve had a chance to fight at the front. We’ve not been able to do that for the last six years.<\/em><\/p>\n

“So this is our and my first opportunity to do so, and my first opportunity to see where I stand.<\/em><\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>