Lando Norris has insisted that he is not “running out of time” to overhaul his substantial points deficit to Max Verstappen become Formula 1 World Champion in 2024.
Oscar Piastri’s opening-lap move at Monza on his pole-sitting team-mate has reignited a debate over whether McLaren should prioritise Norris in the remaining races.
The Australian’s move into the second chicane compromised Norris’ run on the exit, which enabled eventual race winner Charles Leclerc to divide the McLaren drivers.
Norris came home in third to eradicate the gap to Verstappen, who finished sixth, to 62 points, but the Briton rued being unable to capitalise more on Red Bull’s issues.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella divulged post-race that the team’s senior management would conduct a review into whether Piastri’s overtake adhered to its racing rules.
However, Norris expressed that he harboured no problem with his team-mate’s robust move and believes he can count on Piastri on help him chase down Verstappen.
Asked whether Piastri lends him enough help, Norris answered: “Yeah, he helps me. But I’m not here just to beg for someone to let me pass. That’s not why I’m here.
“I’m here to race. He drove a better race than me, so I finished third, and that’s where I deserved to finish.”
Stella has also acknowledged that Norris, who is 46 points above Piastri, represents its greatest bet to reel in Verstappen and hinted team orders could be introduced.
But while he has admitted that he would welcome extra internal support, Norris has stated that he retains optimism he can overturn the margin without such benefits.
“I would love it, but it’s not up to me,” Norris replied when asked whether he thinks McLaren should hedge its bets on his prospects.
“It’s tough, because obviously I think as any driver, you don’t want it. You know you don’t want things to just be played that way. It’s a tough one.
“Obviously, I wouldn’t say we’re running out of time, but time is going away slowly, and I still believe I still believe we can do it. The pace is obviously great.
“I still believe we’re probably close to, if not the best car again today. I don’t know. It’s not for me to decide. It’s for the team, but I think we’re still working together well.
“We’re still helping one another and I think that showed plenty of times this year that we’re working together very well as a team.
“We’re performing as the best team out on the grid and we’re very happy with that. But yeah, I don’t know.
“When you’re fighting for a championship, you want every little thing and I’m doing everything I can.
“The best way simply is just to win the race. And I didn’t do that today because of some silly things. So, yeah, this is for the team, not for me.”
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