Speaking to Sport.de, the former Austrian driver warned he can see trouble brewing between the two, “because both are competing for the world championship. Both drivers will go all out, and the team has to hope they don’t collide.”

As for who he sees as the favorite for the title, Berger is backing Norris: “If he doesn’t make any big mistakes and luck is on his side, he’ll do it.”

Despite that, the Austrian believes Piastri “should not be underestimated. He had a dip in form, he only makes mistakes because he lacks experience — but that slump may now be over. Verstappen never has fluctuations, but the points gap is too big. He only has outsider chances to pull the fish out of the water, for example if both McLarens retire.”

Although the Las Vegas circuit isn’t exactly a natural match for the MCL39 on paper — especially given McLaren’s results here over the past two seasons — the British driver ended the opening day on track fastest of all.

Norris himself admitted he felt much more comfortable in the car compared to last year, even if he wasn’t able to complete a proper long run — like everyone else — due to the red flag.