Former F1 driver claims Lando Norris could match the ‘level’ of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton

Lando Norris has established himself as one of the most talented drivers on the current F1 grid.

Former F1 driver claims Lando Norris could match the ‘level’ of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen [L] Lando Norris [C] Lewis Hamilton [R] (images via IMAGO)

Lando Norris made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2019. The British driver impressed the entire paddock in his rookie season at the Woking-based team. Since then, Norris has grown as a driver in Formula 1. The 24-year-old has solidified his place at the British squad after outperforming Daniel Ricciardo for two seasons.

Now, former F1 driver Christijan Albers has reckoned that the Briton could match the likes of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in the future. The 44-year-old pointed out that Norris managed to outqualify his rookie teammate Oscar Piastri in 2023. Moreover, the former Dutch driver claimed that Lando Norris managed to dominate the Australian driver on Sundays.

Lando Norris is someone who could eventually grow to the level of Verstappen and Hamilton. He was put under pressure a few times by rookie Oscar Piastri, especially in qualifying, but Norris showed who is boss after that. He was really much faster than Piastri on Sundays.
Christijan Albers wrote on his De Telegraaf column

The British driver is often regarded as a potential future world champion. The McLaren driver managed to prove his worth in recent years with some impressive results. However, Piastri could give Norris some stiff competition in the upcoming season. It would certainly be an exciting battle for fans.

Can Lando Norris put an end to F1 win drought in 2024?

Despite being one of the most talented drivers on the current grid, Lando Norris has failed to win a race in F1. The 24-year-old came close to taking his maiden victory at the 2021 Russian GP. However, the Briton went off-track on slick tires on a wet track which took away his shot at the win.

Lando Norris
Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Since then, Lando Norris has failed to take victory at the pinnacle of motorsport. However, Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri won the Sprint race at the Qatar GP last year. Certainly, the 24-year-old would be eager to finally put an end to his win drought in F1 in the upcoming season.

McLaren made major progress in the latter half of the 2023 season. The Woking-based team believes that it could potentially match Max Verstappen and Red Bull this year. Although this would be an uphill task for the British squad. Lando Norris might find himself in a few opportunities this season where he could take his first-ever Grand Prix win.

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