Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has highlighted a key difference between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, with the former often "pushing the envelope".
Verstappen can secure a fourth consecutive F1 drivers' title in Las Vegas, following his recovery from 17th on the grid to win in São Paulo.
Norris must score at least four points more than the Dutchman to ensure the title goes at least to Qatar; however, it is very much advantage Verstappen.
However, as pointed out by Steiner, Norris could have become champion had he not made several errors, such as making poor starts from pole position.
The McLaren driver was on pole in Brazil but was overtaken by George Russell immediately, before finishing the race in sixth.
As outlined by Steiner, Verstappen has a killer instinct and makes the most of every opportunity, whether that be how he has fought Norris in recent races or reacted to bad qualifying sessions.
Norris still lacks this, despite having had the strongest car for the majority of the season.
"Let's go back to Austin, what Max did, he took a chance, did what he did, and Lando got the penalty," Steiner told the Red Flags podcast.
"Max then in Mexico, came back, did the same thing again, he just pushes the envelope and Lando doesn't, but I think that is the difference between the two of them.
"Lando, in theory, he should win the race [in Brazil], he should nail the start, if he would have nailed every start, if, there's a big if there, then he will be the champion.
"I always thought the car would make it up for him, even with Max being the better racer, because the McLaren at this moment is the better car.
"If Lando is just neutral, not being fantastic but also not making mistakes, he can win the championship. Obviously, now he cannot anymore. If Max gets an opportunity, he takes it all the time."
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!