P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris has contended that Sergio Perez’s struggles in F1 have been more of a hindrance than a help to his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen in 2024.
“Verstappen clinched the Drivers’ Championship in Las Vegas with two races left, yet Red Bull seems likely to lose the Constructors Championship battle in Qatar due to Perez’s struggles with a 251-point deficit to Verstappen. Perez, without a podium since April, has only garnered 21 points in the past eight races, never outpacing Verstappen this season. The substantial gap between Red Bull drivers contrasts starkly with challenges faced by Verstappen’s rivals, Norris and Leclerc. Norris’ title bid suffered setbacks with Piastri’s win in Hungary and team conflicts in Italy, while Leclerc lost out to Sainz seven times. Norris reflects on pros and cons of a strong teammate, suggesting Red Bull’s title chances with two Verstappen-level racers. McLaren leads the Constructors’ standings by 24 points, stressing the impact of strong teammate dynamics in Formula 1 competitions.”
