Dakar Rally News: Lando Norris Dominates in Max Verstappen’s Backyard
Lando Norris secured a commanding victory in the Dutch Grand Prix, the latest round of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship. The McLaren driver’s triumph in Verstappen’s home race has reignited his title challenge, cutting the deficit to the reigning champion.
Norris, who felt he hadn’t “performed at the level of a world champion” earlier in the season, delivered a stunning display at Zandvoort. The Briton’s pole position lap was 0.356s quicker than anyone else, and he surged back past Verstappen after a poor start to win by a massive 22.896s – the largest margin of victory this year.
“It’s been an absolutely faultless weekend for Lando,” said McLaren CEO Zak Brown. “The car was on rails, and Lando drove it to perfection. This result has well and truly put him back in the title fight.”
With nine races and three Sprint events remaining, Norris has reduced Verstappen’s championship lead to just 70 points. The fight for the 2024 Drivers’ title is very much alive.
Reigning world champion Verstappen, seeking a fourth consecutive victory at his home race, had no answer to the pace of Norris and McLaren. The Dutchman lamented his Red Bull’s lack of speed, admitting “we’re just not quick enough” at Zandvoort.
McLaren’s resurgence has also seen them slash the gap to Red Bull in the Constructors’ standings to just 30 points. With more upgrades planned, the Woking-based team are firmly in the ascendancy and have their sights set on a first title in over two decades.
The Dutch GP victory was Norris’ second of the 2024 campaign, and he will be hoping to carry this momentum into the upcoming races as the fight for this year’s championships intensifies.
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