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Lando Norris during the Singapore Grand Prix press conference - Photo: Race Pictures

McLaren star sounds alert on Verstappen as title race heats up

10:39, 03 Oct

bySamson Ero

Lando Norris has weighed in on the resurgence of Max Verstappen ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. The McLaren driver admitted that the world champion is a genuine challenger for the 2025 title.

“Genuinely a challenger… we expect battles.”

- Lando Norris

Norris, speaking to the media ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, admitted that Verstappen is a genuine contender for the Drivers’ Championship. The British driver also highlighted his expectations of on-track battles with Verstappen in the remaining races.

“Genuinely a challenger. If you go back to the beginning of the season, they were challenging in the first six, seven races for race wins, challenging us in the Drivers’. Then we brought some upgrades and improved a little bit.”

“A couple of weeks ago, they brought some upgrades, and that’s kind of put them back on the same level as us. I think we’re still expecting, and we still come into every race with the ambition and the goal of winning, wanting to dominate as a team, and continuing the form we’ve had all season.”

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Lando Norris during the Singapore Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

Looking ahead to the Singapore Grand Prix, Norris continued:

“It’s a track where Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull – certainly over the last few weekends – have been closer. We expect battles, especially with him.”

Verstappen, on his part, has cut down both Norris’ and Oscar Piastri’s leads at the top of the Drivers’ Championship over the last two race weekends, clinching consecutive victories in both events.

Verstappen on his title chances

Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Max Verstappen himself weighed in on the 2025 title fight. The Red Bull Racing driver also rated his percentage chance of clinching the crown.

Verstappen, speaking to the media on Thursday of race week, admitted he has a 50% chance of winning the title. With seven races left on the 2025 calendar, the 28-year-old will aim to build on his recently rediscovered impressive form with the Red Bull team.

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