Lando Norris vs Max Verstappen: What McLaren ace has to do to topple F1 title rival

It is admirable that refuses to change the way he races, even as title rival tries to run him off the road every week.

It may also be a little naive. Verstappen has buckets of talent, the willingness to do whatever it takes to win and skin thick enough to ignore those who criticise the way he does it. It is a combination which makes champions.

The racer this week compared himself to r in that respect and it is hard to disagree. Schumi was one of the best ever but his career was littered with controversial moments too. Just ask about Adelaide.

Norris has this year proven beyond all reasonable doubt that he has more than enough talent to become a world champion. But the last couple of weeks have raised questions over whether the Brit is ruthless enough to get the better of Verstappen.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Norris' points gain in Mexico was encouraging but he still needs to outscore the Dutchman by a double-figure total in each of the final four rounds of the year to topple him. To do that, the man is going to need to get his elbows out.

---

Seven-time champ looks likely to spend the final few weeks of his tenure doing little more than testing work. The Silver Arrows are all-but guaranteed fourth spot in the standings so they will spend the rest of the year gathering data for next year’s car.

That future does not involve Hamilton as he'll be racing for . So even though there will be plenty of emotional farewells off track, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for any more glory moments on it.

There will, though, be a special moment on track this weekend at Interlagos. Lewis is getting behind the wheel of one of old McLaren cars after the end of the day's competitive running on Saturday, in front of delighted Brazilian fans and also the late, great F1 champion's family.

From the archive

Hamilton has denied Ferrari plenty of title success in the past, never more memorably than when he snatched glory from on the final lap of the 2008 season at Interlagos.

Fast fact

Ferrari are gunning for three Grand Prix victories in a row - a feat they have achieved just once, in 2019, since the 2008 season!

Inside track

Franco Colapinto is now Red Bull's top choice to join their sister team if is promoted to replace the struggling , but a £15million offer still hasn’t convinced to let go of their prized reserve permanently.