# **Norris Might Still Need a Car Advantage to Control Verstappen*
### *Despite Lando Norris’ Progress, Max Verstappen Remains the Benchmark*
In the ever-evolving battle for Formula 1 supremacy, Lando Norris has been touted as one of the brightest stars poised to challenge reigning champion Max Verstappen. The McLaren driver has demonstrated remarkable talent, resilience, and consistency, emerging as one of the few racers capable of applying pressure on the dominant Red Bull driver. However, despite his rapid progress, many believe that Norris would still require a car advantage to fully control Verstappen in a title fight.
## **A Growing Rivalry in Formula 1**
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have had several on-track battles over the past seasons, with Norris growing into one of the most competitive drivers on the grid. While Verstappen has had the luxury of driving a dominant Red Bull machine since 2021, Norris has had to endure McLaren’s fluctuating form. However, in 2023 and 2024, McLaren made significant strides, closing the gap to Red Bull in several races.
At various Grand Prix events, Norris has been one of the few drivers capable of racing Verstappen closely, securing podiums and, on occasion, even taking the fight to the Dutchman. Yet, despite these encouraging performances, he has struggled to maintain a season-long challenge, often falling short due to Red Bull’s superior machinery and Verstappen’s unparalleled race craft.
## **Verstappen’s Dominance: The Key Obstacle**
Max Verstappen’s dominance in recent seasons has not only been a testament to Red Bull’s engineering prowess but also to his own skill level. The three-time world champion (as of 2024) has proven his ability to extract the maximum from his car, even in challenging conditions. His race pace, tire management, and overtaking ability make him an almost unbeatable opponent unless there is a significant car disadvantage working against him.
Even when Red Bull has faced occasional struggles, such as in Singapore 2023 or certain wet-weather conditions, Verstappen has found a way to minimize damage. This resilience is one of the reasons why Norris, despite his growing ability, may still require a faster car to consistently defeat Verstappen.
## **McLaren’s Improvements and the Need for a Car Advantage**
McLaren’s recent resurgence under the leadership of Andrea Stella and a highly efficient technical team has been impressive. The MCL60 and its successor have shown significant improvements, with upgrades allowing Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri to compete at the front on multiple occasions. However, despite these advancements, Red Bull remains the benchmark.
For Norris to consistently outclass Verstappen, McLaren would likely need to provide him with a car that is at least marginally superior to Red Bull’s. This is not a new phenomenon in F1 history—many great drivers have needed a car advantage to dethrone dominant champions. Lewis Hamilton had a superior Mercedes during his title reign, Michael Schumacher had Ferrari’s complete backing in the early 2000s, and Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull advantage played a crucial role in his four consecutive titles.
## **What Norris Needs to Beat Verstappen**
### *1. A Competitive McLaren Over an Entire Season*
While Norris has been able to fight Verstappen in individual races, McLaren has yet to prove it can sustain that pace over an entire season. To challenge for the title, Norris needs a car that is consistently competitive across all circuits, not just ones that favor McLaren’s strengths.
### *2. Perfect Execution in Races*
Verstappen’s ability to extract maximum performance from his car in almost every race makes him a formidable opponent. Norris, while improving, still needs to fine-tune his race execution, particularly in tire management and strategic calls.
### *3. Mental Toughness and Pressure Handling*
Verstappen has demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, especially during intense title battles like in 2021 against Hamilton. Norris will need to showcase similar mental fortitude if he is to sustain a season-long challenge.
### *4. A Shift in Red Bull’s Dominance*
A change in the competitive order, whether through regulation shifts or Red Bull facing development challenges, could also provide Norris with the opportunity he needs. If McLaren can capitalize on such a moment, it could tilt the balance in Norris’ favor.
## **Conclusion: The Path Forward for Norris**
Lando Norris has all the ingredients of a future Formula 1 champion—raw speed, racecraft, and a growing ability to challenge the very best. However, in the current state of the sport, he might still require a car advantage to control Max Verstappen in a title fight.
As McLaren continues to develop its car and Norris gains more experience, the gap may close. But as long as Verstappen remains at his peak and Red Bull retains its edge, Norris and McLaren must find a way to not just match, but surpass them. Until then, the battle between these two exciting drivers will continue to be one of Formula 1’s most captivating storylines.
