Lewis Hamilton could play unique role in Max Verstappen and Lando Norris title fight
Lando Norris is trying to hunt down Max Verstappen for the title, and Lewis Hamilton has a role to play.
The presence of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes in the hunt for victories could be just what Lando Norris needs in his fight for the Drivers’ Championship title. The McLaren star is looking to cut down Max Verstappen’s 78-point lead heading into the final 10 races of the season.
Heading into the Dutch Grand Prix, it is clear which way the momentum is swinging. Verstappen is now winless in his last four races with just one podium in this time, while McLaren have had at least one driver on the rostrum at 10 consecutive events.
What will frustrate Norris is that he still has just one victory to his name, having missed out on potential follow-up triumphs in Canada, Austria, Silverstone and Belgium. However, if the Brit can block out his disappointment and focus forward, then he still has a shot at the Drivers’ Championship title.
This is the belief of McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown too. Speaking to Sirius XM during the summer shutdown, he said: “I think we can [win both titles]. We’re certainly going to try.” However, if Norris is to win his first-ever World Championship in 2024, he will need some help.
The cushion established by Verstappen during the first 14 races of the year is such that even if Norris were to win all remaining Grands Prix, the Dutchman could secure a fourth successive Drivers’ Championship title by finishing second.
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It is therefore critical for Norris that he has rivals up there fighting with him for victories, and in Hamilton and Mercedes, he may have the perfect aid. The seven-time world champion has won two of the last three races heading into the Grand Prix at Zandvoort, and Mercedes are feeling confident that they can extend their momentum into the final 10.
Hamilton’s presence will be even more beneficial for Norris if he clashes with former rival Verstappen again, as we witnessed in Hungary. The Dutchman was lucky to avoid more significant damage and subsequently a greater points loss after his crash with the Brit that afternoon.
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Furthermore, the pace of Norris’ team-mate Oscar Piastri and Mercedes’ George Russell means that they are also able to step in and take points away from the championship leader, should the opportunity arise.
While having Hamilton fighting Verstappen on a consistent basis is good news for Norris, it is only beneficial if the 24-year-old ensures he is clear of both drivers on the racetrack. Turning podiums into wins has proved difficult for the McLaren ace, so consistently finding the chequered flag first is the remit for the remainder of the campaign.