Lando Norris dismissed Max Verstappen's claim that he would have won this year's Formula One title much earlier in the McLaren. 

Verstappen claimed his fourth consecutive crown at the Las Vegas Grand Prix last weekend, finishing one place ahead of Norris in fifth, which was all he needed to do.

The Dutchman became just the fifth driver to achieve a four-peat and the fourth to do so since the turn of the century after Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. 

Verstappen has eight victories to his name this season, five more than Norris, though should he fail to win another race, he will be the champion with the fewest victories in a season since 2012, when Vettel only needed five victories to triumph.

However, the Dutchman believed that he would have won the title sooner had he been in Norris' car, with his comments coming after McLaren chief, Zak Brown, claimed Verstappen could only win the world championship in the "fastest car."

"He should start in comedy or something! He can say whatever he wants," said Norris ahead of this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix.

"Of course, I completely disagree, as I would. He's good. But it's not true.

"I know what Max is capable of doing. It depends. If there was no Red Bull, yeah, even I could have won if there was no Red Bull and Max was not in a Red Bull, I would have won the championship.

"I don't believe it [his comments]. I like his confidence. I can say whatever. I can say 'I was world champion, I can do this or that'. But, not possible."

We'll see you in Qatar! #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/SN5s8wAgoq

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) November 26, 2024

Norris and Verstappen have been embroiled in a fierce battle on the track this season, with incidents occurring in Austria, Austin and Mexico City. 

Though Norris has fallen short of a maiden world title with two races and a sprint remaining, he has shown his credentials for future glory, with 12 podium finishes in 2024.

Norris is the eighth driver with the most podiums for McLaren (25), and can equal Jenson Button in seventh position (26) with another place in the top three in Qatar. 

Having been in contest with Verstappen for much of the campaign, Norris insisted that his friendship with the Red Bull star had not been affected by their clashes this season. 

"There were some tough moments, but we are still good friends. We had a nice word with each other after the race in Vegas," he said.

"I still have a lot of respect for him and all he's done, so from my side, all good."

This weekend's penultimate round at the Lusail International Circuit marks a huge one for McLaren, who are searching for their first constructors' title since 1998. 

The British-based team know that if they leave the weekend with a lead of 45 points, they will emerge victorious over Red Bull and Ferrari. 

However, Norris thinks Mercedes will be the team to beat following their first one-two since the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in 2022 at the Las Vegas circuit last time out. 

"Mercedes were very quick here last year, so they are definitely favourites this weekend," said Norris.

"Red Bull were good last year as well, Max. We were good, so I'm expecting a good battle.

"I'm hoping that favours us a little bit more compared to Ferrari, but Ferrari fixed a lot of their woes that they were struggling with last year, so honestly, no idea.

"But when you look at things, Ferrari and Mercedes are the guys in a better flow at the moment."

With the team for the final push. #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/A0PertVZdB

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) November 28, 2024

DRIVERS TO WATCH

George Russell – Mercedes

Fresh from his victory in Sin City, Russell will be keen to add to his three career race wins, with Mercedes set to be strong contenders once again in Qatar. 

The Briton finished fourth in both the sprint and race last year, but after his performance in Las Vegas alongside team-mate Hamilton, he will be confident of standing on the podium this time around. 

Russell and Hamilton have taken part in 66 races as Mercedes team-mates. Russell has beaten Hamilton in 37 qualifying sessions and finished ahead in half of the races (33).

Of Hamilton's six team-mates, only Fernando Alonso has beaten him more times in races. 

Mercedes also arrive in Qatar after a one-two finish in Las Vegas. They have not scored two F1 doubles in one year since 2020 (five), and have the opportunity to reach 300 podiums in their racing history, becoming only the fourth team to do so.

P1 IN VEGAS!!!! WHAT A FEELING!!!! pic.twitter.com/Z03JoWURR3

— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) November 24, 2024

Max Verstappen - Red Bull

No driver has won more races (11), more pole positions (nine), more podiums (15) and more points (110) than Verstappen.

The world champion also has the chance to become only the third driver in F1 history to break the 3,000 points barrier (2,989.50 currently), something only Hamilton (4,847.50) and Vettel (3,098) have previously achieved.

If either Verstappen or Sergio Perez achieves the fastest lap, Red Bull (99) will become the fifth team in F1 history to hit 100 fastest laps after Ferrari (263), McLaren (171), Williams (133) and Mercedes (109).

The pair will contest their 90th race as Red Bull team-mates. They are the fifth pair to reach this milestone in F1 after Vettel and Mark Webber (94), David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen (99), Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas (100) and Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello (104). 

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

Drivers

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 403 (C)
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 340
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 319
4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 268
5. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – 259

Constructors

1. McLaren – 608
2. Ferrari – 584
3. Red Bull – 555
4. Mercedes – 425
5. Aston Martin – 86