F1: Verstappen-Norris duel continues in Brazil

2024-11-01 12:00:00

In the fight for the title of Formula 1 world champion with leader Max Verstappen, Briton Lando Norris has a serious opportunity to catch up this weekend in Brazil, where Ferrari, the team in form, could play the referees.

In this title race in which we no longer believed after the Dutchman’s fantastic start to the season, Verstappen arrived at the Interlagos track, in Sao Paulo, scene of the 21st round (out of 24), with a lead of 47 points over the McLaren driver.

• Also read: F1/Mexico GP: Carlos Sainz wins in Mexico ahead of Lando Norris

Last Sunday, “Mad Max” ceded 10 additional points to his rival at the end of the Mexican Grand Prix, the fault of two penalties imposed in quick succession, the stewards having judged him guilty of contentious overtaking against the British.

A change in the rules relating to overtaking could also take place before the end of the season. Until then, Verstappen assured Thursday that he did not intend to change his driving style, often considered aggressive: “this is my 10th year in Formula 1, I think I know what I am doing,” he said. swept away.

But, more than these penalties, it was above all the lack of rhythm of the Red Bull which worried the Batavian, only 6th in the GP far behind Norris, second.

“We are working hard to understand what went wrong,” the three-time defending champion explained at the start of the week. We have to do what we can to be more competitive.”

New penalty in sight

Verstappen and Norris can both achieve a good accounting operation this weekend, since up to 34 points (compared to 26 usually) will be to be gleaned, thanks to the fifth sprint (out of six) of the year, run on Saturday.

If “Super Max” wants to capitalize on his sprint race performances to keep his main opponent at bay, since no victory has yet escaped him this season, he should, however, receive a penalty on Sunday on the starting grid, in due to a change of driving force beyond the authorized quotas. The information, given on Wednesday by Red Bull special advisor Helmut Marko, has not yet been made official.

During the first day in Mexico, the Dutchman suffered an engine problem, forcing his team to draw on its stock of old engines, and thus avoiding a penalty, a factor which would also explain the difficulties encountered in the race by the pilot, according to Marko.

And to bring even more spice to the twilight of an uncertain season, the rain could play spoilsport on Sunday for the GP.

Ferrari as referee?

Since the end of the summer break, the battle between the two drivers has turned to Norris’s advantage: he has scored 116 points against only 85 for Verstappen, whose last victory dates back to June, during the Spanish GP.

However, watch out for Ferrari, for whom Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have each won a victory in the last two meetings, thus depriving the Red Bull and McLaren drivers of precious points.

Thanks to the performances of its drivers, the Scuderia even regained second place in the constructors’ championship, to the detriment of the Austrian team which suffered a series of disappointments in Mexico: its second driver Sergio Pérez, whose place in F1 was never was also threatened, finished last in her national GP.

At the front, McLaren retains the reins of the general classification ahead of Ferrari, by 29 points. What should the English team be concerned about?

“Our battle with Ferrari has been evident for 10 races,” explained Norris, interviewed by the press on Thursday. We knew that at the end of the year we would have to fight against them, not against Red Bull.

Far behind the first three forces in the field, Mercedes will try to get back into the race after two GPs (in the United States and Mexico) far from having been “clean”, according to its boss Toto Wolff. .

“Given our position in the championship, we were able to test certain things,” he also said, explaining that these tests were “valuable for 2025”. At 200 points behind McLaren, Mercedes has almost no chance of being titled.

At Alpine, Pierre Gasly’s 10th place in Mexico reopened the points counter. The French team, ninth overall among manufacturers, is only three points behind Williams, eighth.

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**Interview with Motorsport Expert, Alex Turner**

*Date: November ​1, 2024*

**Editor:** Welcome, Alex! The excitement is palpable ‌as we ‌head into the Brazilian⁤ Grand Prix. With Lando ⁣Norris in hot pursuit of Max⁢ Verstappen, what are your thoughts on this championship race?

**Alex Turner:** Thanks‍ for having me! It’s shaping up to be an exhilarating weekend. Lando ‍Norris has definitely put himself in a strong position after a solid performance in Mexico, where ‍he benefited from Verstappen’s penalties. With ‍the point disparity closed to 47, this weekend is critical for both drivers.

**Editor:** You mentioned Verstappen’s penalties. How do you think that has affected his strategy going into this race?

**Alex Turner:** ​Verstappen’s aggressive driving style has always⁤ been a double-edged⁣ sword. The penalties have⁢ certainly made him reconsider how he approaches overtaking maneuvers. He insists he won’t change his style, but with the pressure mounting, he needs to find a​ balance between​ aggression ⁣and caution.

**Editor:** The rain forecast for Sunday adds another layer of complexity. How⁢ might weather conditions ⁤impact the race?

**Alex Turner:**‍ Rain can really shake things ⁤up in ‌Formula 1. It typically creates⁣ opportunities for drivers who are adept⁣ in wet conditions, and it ⁣can level the ‍playing field significantly. If we see rain, it could benefit someone like Norris, who has shown‍ impressive adaptability this season. It⁣ will also put Verstappen’s skill to ⁣the test if he has to contend with changing conditions.

**Editor:** What about Ferrari’s role in this race? You ⁢mentioned they could act ⁢as referees⁤ in this battle.

**Alex Turner:**⁤ Precisely! Ferrari has been ​revitalized recently ⁤and their drivers,‍ especially ‌Carlos Sainz, can influence the title race by capitalizing on their recent form.‍ Their performance could inadvertently support Norris by challenging Verstappen directly on⁢ the track. It will be interesting to watch how‌ strategy plays‍ out among the top teams.

**Editor:**‌ With points available during⁤ the sprint race as well, how significant could this ‍weekend be in the title race?

**Alex⁢ Turner:** This weekend is crucial.⁢ With up to 34 points on the table, both Norris and⁣ Verstappen have ​ample opportunity to gain or lose substantial ground. If Norris can⁤ close the⁤ gap even ⁢further during the sprint, it​ sets a psychological advantage heading into the main race.

**Editor:** what’s your prediction for the weekend?

**Alex Turner:** It’s tough to call! If Verstappen can ‍remain steadfast despite potential grid penalties ⁣and still⁣ outpace Norris, he’ll keep his lead intact. Conversely, if Norris‌ capitalizes on any ⁤mistakes or misfortunes ⁣for Verstappen, it could get very close indeed. Either way, I expect a thrilling showdown in Brazil!

**Editor:** Thank you, Alex! We’ll certainly be tuning in to ⁣see how this championship battle unfolds.

**Alex Turner:** Thank⁣ you⁢ for having me!⁣ Can’t wait ⁤for ⁣the race!