Norris Still Stands By His Words Suggesting Verstappen Was Lucky In Brazil

Thursday, 21 November 2024 at 10:00

McLaren Racing driver Lando Norris spoke about how demoralized he felt after the race in Brazil and explained why he still stands by what he said.

Lando Norris had everything in his hands going into the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix as he was chasing down Max Verstappen in the Championship and started the race from pole position, while the Dutchman from P17.

However, as we know, the Red Bull Racing F1 driver went on to win the Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, while Norris finished only in P6 the point gap between the two in the Championship increased to 62 points.

While it is still possible (on paper) for the McLaren F1 driver to win this Championship, his chances are very low. The Sao Paulo Grand Prix was most likely a defining moment in the Championship battle.

Speaking to the media ahead of the next race - the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Lando Norris admitted he was "pretty down" after Brazil:

"For a week, I was pretty down after Brazil because I had that realization that things are pretty much out of my control now – not within reach necessarily."

Read also

Sky Sports' David Croft Hails Verstappen For Winning 'Clearly Not In Fastest Car'

"And that's a tough realization when hopes and your belief is so high; for it to get knocked down so much all of a sudden was pretty demoralizing and not the best of feelings. But you learn to accept that's life."

Following the race in Brazil, Norris suggested Max Verstappen, with the two Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, who made the risky call to stay out on old tires in the heavy rain, got lucky with the red flag.

Although he previously received some backlash for this comment, the 24-year-old F1 driver still stood by what he said and explained what he meant by comparing the race in Brazil to his victory in Miami.

"I admitted even in Miami that I was lucky in Miami to get the win, with the Safety Car, and that's the strategy you play. I think Brazil was still a little bit more luck of the trade, but that is Formula 1."

"That's racing. I've not complained about it. Luck can be on your side. It can be on other people's side. That's life. So I don't mind. One day, it will go your way; the next, it won't."