(Video) Lando Norris pulls off stellar overtake on title rival Max Verstappen with ease during Italian GP

Lando Norris gained eight points on Max Verstappen at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix.

(Video) Lando Norris pulls off stellar overtake on title rival Max Verstappen with ease during Italian GP

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (Via: Imago, X/MrMatthew_CBF, screenshot)

An unexpected title battle has brewed between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in the 2024 F1 season. The Brit lined up in pole position for the Italian GP and the Dutchman in P7, fans anticipated that Norris would gain a huge haul of points. Though the McLaren driver lost multiple positions on the first lap, he ensured he would gain on his championship rival as he pulled off a daring overtake after his second pit stop in the 53-lap race.

McLaren locked out the front row after a tight qualifying session. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris both bid to win the race, after yesterday’s post-qualifying session. Moreover, they were in a good position after the initial laps as Piastri maintained the lead. On the other hand, Max Verstappen was having a terrible race as he had a slow stop relegating him downwards in the pack.

YouTube video

Subsequently, the two championship rivals came in close quarters of each other, and Norris made quick way past the Dutchman.

FS Video

The 24-year-old had to stay behind Verstappen for a lap extra. Despite this, he utilized the DRS and slipstream to great effect on the main straight and used the inside line to pull off a sensational overtake.

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Max Verstappen and Jos Verstappen (Via IMAGO)

Lando Norris’s take on Oscar Piastri not swapping positions before the race finish

On the other hand, speculations reigned in the paddock that McLaren could prioritize Norris in the race to help him in the driver’s championship. However, the Aussie finished in P2 ahead of his teammate, which led to experts raising eyebrows about the team’s stance on the championship.

McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (image via IMAGO)

Subsequently, the senior papaya driver claimed he held no grudges for Piastri finishing ahead of him when the chequered flag fell.

Of course, cause he got passed. I don't know what I could have done differently had I braked later we would have crashed, but we'll take a look back at it.
Lando Norris said in the post-race interview hosted by Nico Rosberg

Norris explained that his teammate passed him on track fair and square. Norris admitted that he could not have done anything differently so he does not have any resentment against the Australian.

Apart from this, Charles Leclerc won the Italian GP at Ferrari‘s home territory. This has made the constructor’s championship a lot more interesting as McLaren trails Red Bull by only eight points while the prancing horses are catching up to them at the rate of knots.

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