Lando Norris takes aim at 'silly' Max Verstappen F1 title prediction

Lando Norris has stated it would be “silly” to count Max Verstappen out of the F1 title fight this year.

With one-third of the campaign in the books, McLaren hold the top two positions in the drivers' championship with Oscar Piastri leading Norris.

Verstappen sits third in the standings, 25 points down on Piastri.

The four-time champion has kept himself in contention with two wins and a further two trips to the podium in the opening eight rounds.

While McLaren has undoubtedly enjoyed the strongest start to the season, Norris still considers Verstappen a considerable threat in the title fight.

“Mathematically, the whole grid can still win the championship at the minute,” Norris told media including RacingNews365. 

“So if you think it's just out of me and Oscar, then I think you're a bit silly. 

“I think there are plenty of opportunities. Max can still win. Ferrari, I expect them to get better through the season. 

“But come on, we're racing Max every weekend. He's been on the podium several times. 

“He has won races, he beat us in Imola fair and square because he was quicker. So I don't know what possibly makes you think that it's only out of me and Oscar.”

Lando Norris denies approach change in F1 title hunt

Norris led the F1 standings through the opening four rounds of the season before Piastri took control after Saudi Arabia.

Norris endured a tough run of form in comparison to his team-mate, allowing the Australian to build an advantage in the standings.

However, Norris hit back last time out in Monaco with a victory to close the deficit to Piastri.

As he seeks to return to the top spot in the championship table, Norris highlighted he is not seeking to change his approach.

“Like I say, always, it's a great feeling to be in the lead of the championship and to have more points than everyone,” he said.

“But it's not something I look at. It's not something that changes anything I do day-to-day. 

“It doesn't change how hard I work or what I try to achieve. I'll just try and win this weekend, and I'll try and win in Montreal, and I'll try and win in Austria. 

“It's got nothing to do with what position I am [in].”