P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris has insisted that Max Verstappen has had a “relatively easy season” despite Red Bull’s slump in competitiveness as he clinched the 2024 F1 title.
Max Verstappen clinched the championship in Las Vegas with two races left, thanks to his fifth-place finish and Norris’ distant sixth for McLaren. Norris and McLaren, who were a strong force mid-season, couldn’t maintain their early threat to Verstappen due to mistakes throughout the campaign. Verstappen’s flawless performance and ability to capitalize on opportunities were key in securing the championship despite a winless streak mid-season. Norris acknowledged that Verstappen’s consistent excellence and lack of weaknesses were pivotal in the battle between them. Despite this, Norris remains optimistic and believes he has the capabilities to challenge for the championship in 2025 after a season filled with more positives than negatives.