McLaren's title battle? Norris wouldn't rule out 'one of the best ever' Verstappen

18:16, 31 Jul

Updated: 18:20, 31 Jul

byKada Sarkozi

Entering the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lando Norris is in second place in the drivers' standings. While Oscar Piastri would not consider Max Verstappen to be in a title battle, the Briton did not rule him out.

After 13 rounds have been completed, Norris trails his teammate by 16 points, but is ahead of the defending world champion Verstappen. The gap to the Dutchman stands at 65 points.

Earlier at the FIA press conference, Piastri said: "I think every weekend now it has been, or the last few weekends anyway, it's been Lando and I. I expect our competition to still be strong and put up a good fight, especially at certain tracks through the rest of the year."

Norris yet to rule out 'one of the best ever'

The previous season, it was Norris chasing the Red Bull driver as the McLaren car continued to improve.

"I mean, it's never impossible. We proved that last year, but he’s quite a long way back," he began answering a question from GPblog.

"We have a team that's a lot more stable and performing a lot better than Red Bull is. But Max is still quite easily one of the best drivers ever in Formula One. So as a driver, I wouldn't rule him out, but we have a better car, we have a better team. so I have my confidence in them that we can stay ahead," the McLaren driver explained.

Verstappen confirms he will stay with Red Bull Racing in 2026

Today at the Hungaroring, the four-time world champion has said he will remain with Red Bull Racing for the upcoming campaign.

"I think it's time to basically stop all the rumours, and for me it's always been quite clear that I was staying anyway," he also told GPblog among others.