Lando Norris labeled as Max Verstappen’s chief adversary by Schumacher brother ahead of the 2024 season

The Dutchman Max Verstappen had a very smooth sailing victory in the 2023 season. Verstappen was more-or-less untouched by other drivers in terms of performance down the season. However, with McLaren’s improving pace, Ralf Schumacher labeled Lando Norris as the prime competitor to the reigning world champion in the 2024 season.

Ralf Schumacher reckoned that McLaren could possibly compete with Red Bulls at the forefront for the victory. Additionally, the former driver insisted that he had a great liking for the Aussie driver Oscar Piastri who will be participating in his second season at McLaren. Piastri’s lack of mistakes during a race could facilitate him to finally compete with others at the front, according to Schumacher.

McLaren could be possible. I have to say I’m a big fan of Oscar. The only thing is he seems still to be a bit weak in racing [conditions]. I think his qualifying performance is amazing, he never makes a mistake and he’s always there. So that’s great.

Schumacher told on Formula for Success podcast (H&T: Planetf1.com).

Following these comments, Schumacher asserted that Lando Norris is an amazing racer. However, multiple mistakes that the Briton makes during a qualifying session inadvertently sabotage his pace for the main race on Sunday. Regardless, the 48-year-old did not hesitate in acknowledging the fact that the 24-year-old could challenge Verstappen for the title if provided with the right set of opportunities.

Lando is an amazing racer, but maybe sometimes he wants a bit too much in qualifying. And he could be the one I think to challenge Max if the car [is good enough].

Mercedes is yet to prove their winning form for the 2024 season

Although the Papaya squad is preparing at its finest, and looking positive of a competition alongside Norris for the following season, Mercedes did not show the best results in 2023. Following this downgrade in performance, Schumacher raised doubts over Brackley’s winning chances in the upcoming season of Formula 1.

The German highlighted that Mercedes was very up and down in terms of their performance during the 2023 season as compared to Norris’ comeback down the season. Additionally, Brackley is yet to prove their improvements from the previous season of Formula 1. However, Schumacher hopes for a better performance from Mercedes, where they finally return back to their winning ways in Formula 1.

McLaren had shown great improvement in their challenger down the season, as compared to Mercedes’ unstable performance. Hence, Woking finally has a chance at the championship contention, with the team finally setting all eyes on scoring a race victory with Lando Norris after two seasons of winless slump for the team.

In case you missed it:

• Max Verstappen back in town after long Switzerland trip as girlfriend Kelly Piquet posts picture from airport
• Toto Wolff claims a ‘young and strong’ George Russell has met Mercedes’ expectations despite huge points gap to Lewis Hamilton

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW