Lando Norris deems Mercedes as ‘most dangerous opponent’ after back-to-back F1 triumphs
The Mercedes F1 team has been on a roll since the Austrian GP.
Follow Us
Lando Norris and Mercedes W15 (via IMAGO)
Red Bull began the 2024 season as the title favorite. However, McLaren emerged as the best car on paper as the season progressed, they even won a race in Miami, but their fortunes have come to a dead end as they have not been able to repeat this feat. On the other hand, Mercedes recently found untapped performance and won two races in succession, urging Lando Norris to deem the Brackley-based squad as the most dangerous opponent on the F1 grid.
McLaren‘s MCL38 has been leading the performance charts since they introduced an upgrade package in Miami. But despite having the best car, multiple avoidable situations have left them unable to climb onto the top step of the podium. In Spain, Lando Norris botched his race start, allowing Max Verstappen to eke out a gap, which helped him win the race. Similarly, the title titans collided in Austria, which helped the Dutchman to extend his lead in the championship.
During the mighty tussle between the two championship contenders, Mercedes has been opportunistic and won in Austria and Britain.
I think George[Russell] has done a better job at Mercedes, but I think Lewis’s win at Silverstone has given him a big boost of confidence. At the moment I think they are the strongest, they have had the strongest car for 2 or 3 races, right now they are the most dangerous opponent.Lando Norris said in an interview as quoted by Formu1a
Witnessing the resurgence of the German marque, the Brit admitted that George Russell has done a stellar job. However, Lewis Hamilton‘s win at Silverstone has cemented Mercedes to be in the mix, and Norris seemed cautious as he deemed them to be the most dangerous opponent.
Lando Norris justifies McLaren’s mistakes in Silverstone
On the other hand, Norris led the race in Britain and was poised for a victory on his home soil. However, a strategic blunder resulted him in conceding the lead and subsequently losing the runners-up spot to his championship rival.
Despite his heartbreak, Norris defended his team and asserted that mistakes happen while racing.
No, not at all, it just depends on how you take it. I don't think it's unfair because you're always going to have it, that's life. People are going to criticise you, people are going to support you, people are going to make mistakes. We're not the only team. There have been times when Red Bull should have won and didn't and Mercedes should have won and didn't.Lando Norris said in an interview with Sky Sports F1
Norris feels it was not unfair as such things happen. He then claimed that this was not the first time such an instance had happened and pointed out that similar mistakes have been made by other teams in the past.
Apart from this, Norris currently trails Max Verstappen by 84 points. Thus, the championship fight is still on as the Englishman would be hoping to assert his authority over the paddock before the onset of the summer break.
In case you missed it:
- WATCH: “It’s game on”- Lewis Hamilton is determined to replicate British GP success at Hungary
- “It’s not fair to say it’s all his fault,” Max Verstappen defends Sergio Perez from criticism over poor streak
Stay Updated!
Geetansh Pasricha
(772 Articles Published)