The McLaren driver after the double disqualification in Las Vegas which reopened the world championship in favor of Verstappen: “We know what he is capable of. I know that many have said things about me, but it’s part of the game”
Quick step and low gaze, as if wanting to keep away from cameras and microphones. Lando Norris arrives in Qatar after the double disqualification suffered by his McLaren in Las Vegas forcefully brought his most feared rival, Verstappen, back into the game. “In every briefing we have always considered him as a threat. We know what he is capable of and we know what Red Bull is capable of.” And with the Dutchman at -24 in the drivers’ standings: “Nothing has to change, in my head everything is as before.”
it had to happen
—
The head. On Lusail Thursday, Norris said he “left social media”. “I don’t want to know anything. I know a lot of people have said things about me, but it’s part of the game. I let them waste energy, certain games don’t work with me“. Not easy after a weekend where a technical problem (excessive consumption of the fund) deprived him of a very important second place in world terms. “It hurt – confesses the Englishman – but at the same time I expected it. It was as if I felt that it had to happen sooner or later. I took a few days off, getting away from everything, and now I’m fine. For me it’s as if nothing had happened.”
morale down
—
And then Qatar. “It will be like being in Mexico, when I arrived knowing I wasn’t leading the world championship. I’m just as relaxed as when I was 35 points away from Oscar.” And speaking of his garage roommate, “I am convinced that he is also a threat at the same level as Verstappen. I consider them equally strong.” The Australian is grateful, but inside he is now convinced that “even two perfect weekends will not be enough to win the world championship. We would need some help from outside…”. It’s difficult to blame him, with the standings now seeing him equal on points with Verstappen after leading the world championship for most of the championship. “In the last few races I struggled. Unfortunately there were also mistakes on my part and this shouldn’t happen, but that’s how it happened.”
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED