Ralf Schumacher has sent Lando Norris a clear verdict on the only thing that can allow the McLaren star to fight Red Bull rival Max Verstappen for the drivers’ championship.
F1 might finally have a fight for the crown on its hands for the first time since 2021 this year. Verstappen has swept the past three seasons after Red Bull aced the introduction of ground effect regulations. But McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes have also joined the fight at the front.
This year is shaping up nicely to deliver the title fight Formula 1 has missed since Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the title at the season-finale Abu Dhabi GP in 2021. But Norris is not the only driver in the mix with Charles Leclerc leading Ferrari’s bid for a first title since 2007.
Ralf Schumacher feels Lando Norris’ title hopes hinge on McLaren’s upgrade plan
Norris taking pole position for the Spanish GP proved McLaren have a car that can challenge Red Bull over a single lap, as well. The upgrades the Woking natives have delivered since the Miami GP moved the papaya team into contention with Norris also now a Grand Prix winner.
READ MORE: F1 2025 driver line-up with every team’s confirmed entry for the grid
But if Norris is to build on taking his first race win at the Miami GP and second career pole at the Spanish GP to fight Verstappen for the title, Schumacher believes his team must keep up their recent gains. Only if McLaren keep improving their pace could Norris fight for the title.
Schumacher said, via quotes by F1-Insider: “If McLaren continue this trend, Lando Norris can compete for the world championship.”
Lando Norris is developing as a driver along with McLaren developing their car
McLaren flew to the Miami GP third in the constructors’ championship but faced a 99-point deficit to Red Bull. Their upgrades in Florida have since hauled the Woking team into a fight with their rivals from Milton Keynes. A fight Verstappen was looking to set to run away with.
Verstappen opened his campaign with four wins plus a Sprint victory in the first five rounds. Only a brake issue denied the 26-year-old at the Australian GP as Carlos Sainz seized on the Dutchman’s early retirement. But McLaren have remained hot on Red Bull’s heels ever since.
Norris has also often led McLaren’s charge to emerge as a driver Schumacher feels is a part of the title fight. The 24-year-old also felt his pole at the Spanish GP marked a breakthrough with Norris acknowledging he could unlock that last tenth that had often eluded the Briton.
The post Ralf Schumacher sends Lando Norris clear F1 title verdict as only one thing can beat Red Bull appeared first on F1 Oversteer.
