Norris reveals crucial Verstappen title fight discovery

Lando Norris has revealed that he has discovered this season that he has "what it takes" to fight for the F1 drivers' title. 

For the first-time in his six-year career at the pinnacle of motorsport, Norris has been involved in the fight for the drivers' championship. 

Unfortunately, for the 25-year-old, he fell short in the battle against Max Verstappen. 

The then-three time world champion sealed his fourth consecutive title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, but it has been a year of discoveries for Norris, who claimed his maiden F1 victory back in Miami. 

He pinpointed the start of the current campaign where his performances were not to a level high enough to become a world champion.

When asked what he has learnt from this year's title battle against Verstappen, Norris replied: "That I have what it takes. I think it's the first time in the last six years of Formula 1 when we've had a chance to fight at the front, we've not been able to do that for the last six years. 

"So this is my first opportunity to do so, and my first opportunity to see where I stand. And I definitely was not at the level I needed to be at the beginning of the year, and even Miami point of the season. 

"Since the summer break, I feel like I've done a very good job and performed very, very well, by far some of my best performances that I've done. 

"So I've been very happy, actually, with how the last few months have gone, honestly. I wouldn't change many things that have happened. But I still need to make tweaks. I still need to improve on things. That's clear."

Norris gains confidence

One of the areas Norris needs to improve on is his consistency, with several small errors having been made throughout the year. 

Most notably, the Briton has often struggled to make a strong start from pole position, whilst he almost crashed twice whilst comfortably leading in Singapore. 

Norris himself understands there are improvements to be made; however, he is confident he does have what it takes to win an F1 title.

"I'm not completely satisfied with how I've done," added Norris. "I definitely know I need to make improvements.

"But for the first time, I'm confident to say that I have what I think I need to fight for a championship. Doesn't mean I'm complete, doesn't mean I'm perfect, that's for sure. 

"And when you're competing against drivers who are close to that, like Max, you have to be close to perfect if you want to challenge him, you know, and challenge the teams we're around. 

"So I'm confident and I think the main thing I can take away is I have faith that I have got what it takes to fight for a championship."