McLaren boss Zak Brown has expressed confidence in his team's ability to challenge Red Bull's Max Verstappen as the F1 season heads into its closing stages. Brown's optimism follows a stunning performance by Lando Norris, who defeated Verstappen by a significant 22 seconds at the Circuit Zandvoort.
Norris Dominates at Zandvoort
The victory at the Netherlands Grand Prix was a milestone for Norris, marking his second career win in Formula 1. His triumph at Zandvoort adds to his earlier win at the Miami Grand Prix this season. Brown was full of praise for the young driver and the team's overall strategy. "That was a good day at the office. An impressive performance by everybody. Lando was perfect, team strategy, pace of the car," he noted. Brown's elation was palpable as he reflected on the team's success. "I thought we had great pace, 23 seconds or whatever it was, no I didn't think it was going to be that, but that was great to see."
Tightening the Championship Race
With his latest victory, Norris has helped to cut Verstappen's lead in the championship standings down to 70 points, with nine races remaining on the calendar. Verstappen, who has not secured a victory since the Spanish Grand Prix on June 23, is now facing his longest winless streak since 2020. Despite the considerable gap in the standings, Brown believes that the race for the championship is far from over. "We've thought for a few races ... but it's going to take a while. We've got to keep doing what we're doing, and it's going to be tight. But it's game on," he said.
Potential for More Triumphs
Norris has the potential to earn a maximum of 26 points per weekend, which keeps McLaren very much in the hunt. According to Brown, McLaren’s recent performance suggests that they should be considered serious contenders in every remaining race of the season. However, Norris himself remains cautious about getting ahead of the game. "It would be stupid for McLaren to get too carried away," he remarked, emphasizing a grounded approach moving forward.
Final Thoughts
As the F1 season progresses towards its climax, McLaren appears rejuvenated and ready to challenge Red Bull’s dominance. With Zak Brown’s leadership and Lando Norris’s exceptional driving skills, the team has reignited the excitement among their fans and added a new layer of intrigue to the championship race. While Verstappen still holds a substantial lead, McLaren's determination indicates that the battle is far from decided, promising thrilling contests in the races to come.