Can Lando Norris Pass Max Verstappen for the World Championship?

Six races to go, and all to fight for

By Vincenzo Landino | October 2024

Picture this: You’re playing FIFA with your friend, and they pick Manchester City. Haaland, De Bruyne, and the rest are a nightmare to deal with. It’s not impossible to win, but man, it feels like you’re pushing a boulder uphill.

Now, swap out Man City for Max Verstappen and the Red Bull juggernaut. It’s the same situation for Lando Norris — racing for his life, trying to topple what feels like an invincible force.

But can he? Let's dive into it.

The Verstappen Factor

Let’s get one thing clear: Max Verstappen is LeBron in the paint.

Federer at Wimbledon.

Tiger at Augusta.

Ronaldo from the penalty spot.

He’s dominant, composed, and rarely makes mistakes. And even thought the RB19 has dropped off, it’s not like he’s driving a Sauber.

It’s like giving Tom Brady a five-second head start in a quarterback competition — unfair doesn’t begin to cover it.

Max’s lead is 52 points, which would make Lando's charge for the title seem impossible. To take the title, Lando must outscore max by an average of almost nine points across each race weekend between now and the end of the season which just so happens to be the approximate point difference between first place and third place in a full Grand Prix which is a ten-point gap.

But hang on, we’ve seen upsets before.

Remember when Tom Brady came back from 28-3 down in Super Bowl LI? This is motorsport, and strange things can happen. All Lando needs is one DNF, a freak accident, or Red Bull botching a strategy. It’s not like teams haven’t shot themselves in the foot before (looking at you, Ferrari).

McLaren’s Surge

Speaking of Ferrari, their 2023 season was like watching someone continuously lock their keys in their car.

But McLaren?

McLaren has been the story.

Since the mid-season upgrade package, they’ve been fastest by a country mile. Lando’s been driving like a man possessed, like he’s trying to prove that McLaren hasn’t been just a nostalgic throwback since the Senna-Prost days.

McLaren has momentum, and momentum in sports is a weird thing. It can turn an underdog into a juggernaut. Think ‘03 Marlins, or Nick Foles going from journeyman to Super Bowl MVP. If Norris and McLaren can ride this wave, we might just be in for a shocker.

Team Orders and Mind Games

While Oscar Piastri is no longer a rookie, McLaren has made a significant decision to back Lando Norris in his pursuit of Max Verstappen.

The team is still laser-focused on the constructors' championship, having stretched their lead over Red Bull to 41 points. Initially, McLaren wasn’t too keen on playing favorites. The idea of sacrificing Piastri for Norris seemed like a headache — too many complications, and it went against McLaren's principle of giving both drivers equal opportunities.

But Red Bull’s form has gotten shaky, and suddenly, what seemed like a long shot now feels like a real opportunity. McLaren revised their approach, and Norris will get preferential treatment in a calculated, race-by-race strategy. It’s not as simple as waving Piastri aside every time. But when the moment counts, Norris will be the one they back.

It’s a delicate dance — prioritizing the constructors' championship while giving Lando a shot at Verstappen. If Norris can close the gap, don’t be surprised if Piastri starts playing wingman. And don’t forget, team orders can stir up drama (again, just ask the guys at Ferrari). For now, though, McLaren’s playing it smart — they’re backing their guy but not letting that jeopardize the bigger picture.

What Would It Take?

Lando would need to be perfect the rest of the season, or he needs Max to have at least one disastrous race, a mechanical failure, or a wild Turn 1 incident where he ends up in the gravel (we’ve all seen it happen).

If he gets that, and if Lando can string together podiums like they’re going out of style, the championship might — just might — be within reach.

But the reality is, this is Max Verstappen. And unless Lando has a golden horseshoe in his McLaren, it’s going to take more than hope and good vibes to dethrone the reigning champ. It’s motorsport, though — crazier things have happened. Just don’t hold your breath.

Is it Possible?

Lando Norris can absolutely give Max Verstappen a run for his money over the last six races, but to pass him in the standings? Well, that’s a different story. It’s like asking if the Washington Generals can beat the Harlem Globetrotters — you want it to happen, but you know the odds are slim.

But hey, that’s the beauty of sports, right?

You never know until it’s over.