David Coulthard Tells Lando Norris What He Must Learn from Max Verstappen

McLaren’s Lando Norris looks poised to fall short of claiming the 2024 Formula 1 world championship, despite a tenacious and impressive campaign. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s remarkable performance at the recent São Paulo Grand Prix has further extended his lead, bringing him closer to clinching his fourth consecutive title.

Commenting on McLaren’s journey and their unexpected rise as championship contenders, former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard acknowledged the team’s impressive development. “They were maybe a little bit slow to realise just how brilliant a job they have done,” Coulthard remarked. “Some of their decisions earlier in the year were cautious, holding back a lap as they found themselves ahead of schedule. They probably didn’t expect to be championship contenders until 2025 or 2026.”

With McLaren now re-establishing themselves as a top-tier team, Coulthard believes their progress is no accident. “They are back in the hunt,” he added. “They have now re-established themselves as a world championship-contesting team.”

Looking ahead to next season, Coulthard sees potential for both McLaren and Norris to mount an even stronger challenge. “McLaren will be a much stronger overall competitor next year, as will Lando,” he predicted. “They have the speed and technical prowess; it’s now about knowing who you’re fighting. Lando is up against Max, and Max cares about nothing but winning – Lando must adopt that same attitude.”