Reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is unfazed by his decreasing lead over Lando Norris in the drivers’ championship, Afrosport reports.
The Red Bull driver’s advantage over Norris has been cut down to 52 points after he finished second in Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix, 20.945 seconds behind the British driver.
It has left a feeling of the world championship, which Verstappen has won three times in a row, gradually slipping from his hand, but the Dutchman believes things can turn around in his favour despite not winning a race since the Spanish Grand Prix in June.
“This also can change very quickly again,” he said.
“So, we just need to keep on trying, keep to at one point try to overturn it a bit, not always finishing behind, but we’ll see how that goes.”
DRIVER STANDINGS (after 18/24 rounds)
The gap between the top two narrows to 52 points 👀#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/MfpZSQcUmE
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 22, 2024
Norris was denied of the extra bonus point for the fastest lap which was taken by outgoing Racing Bulls driver Daniel Ricciardo.
Reacting to the news of Ricciardo collecting the fastest lap by his race engineer, Verstappen said: “Thank you Daniel.”
Verstappen and Ricciardo were teammates at Red Bull between 2016 and 2018 during the former’s formative years in the premier racing class, and spoke of the close relationship he has with the Australian.
“Daniel and I go a way back,” he explained. “We’ve always had a great relationship, great friendship, a lot of respect for each other. Just a great guy. I get on well. It just clicks.There’s no fake person.
“We just get along, easy going. We’re like that.
“He will be remembered as a very fast driver. Everyone knows that but also a great guy in the paddock.”
“Thank you, Daniel” #F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/rdQTDk1NBH
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 22, 2024
Riccardo is expected to be replaced by New Zealander Liam Lawson for the United States Grand Prix in Austin in three weeks time and for the remainder of the season.
