P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris has admitted that he is anticipating Max Verstappen to be a threat in Formula 1’s Italian Grand Prix, despite the Red Bull driver starting down in seventh. Norris has emerged as Verstappen’s nearest contender in the Drivers’ Championship since McLaren overhauled Red Bull as the benchmark team earlier in the season. But while […]
Norris is currently closest to Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship standings, trailing by 70 points as McLaren outperformed Red Bull earlier in the season. Norris has a good opportunity to narrow the gap on Verstappen after McLaren’s strong performance in qualifying, securing a front-row lock-out. Although Norris acknowledges Verstappen’s potential to challenge, given Red Bull’s race pace advantage, he remains optimistic about his own prospects. Norris anticipates a tough battle against Verstappen in the upcoming race at Monza, considering the track conditions and potential degradation challenges. McLaren has been working on improving their starts after Norris lost the lead to Verstappen at Zandvoort, and they are hopeful for a strong performance at Monza.