Since F1 introduced its new era of rules and regulations in 2022, the Dutchman has stood on top of the podium in 38 of the 49 F1 races. And his latest victory was supplemented by also winning the first sprint race of the 2024 season on Saturday morning.
The improving Norris was second behind his close friend in Shanghai, and has now spoken out on the growing perception that race outcomes have become predictable. “It is frustrating for people watching but it has always been like this,” Norris said.
“We are seeing more dominance than ever, so it is never going to be the best to watch and the only exciting races have been the ones that Max is not in. If you see the same driver winning every single time without a fight then of course it does start to become boring and that is obvious.”
Only an early retirement in Australia has scuppered the 26-year-old from a clean sweep of wins this year, but Norris also moved to praise his form. And the British driver implied that irrespective of Red Bull’s superior pace, no other driver would be able to exert the same levels of dominance.
“You have got one of the best drivers ever in Formula 1, in one of the most dominant cars and it is a combination that is deadly,” he added. “If Max wasn’t there and you had two (Sergio) Perez’s, it wouldn’t be the case.”
Norris also credited the ‘smart’ Red Bull team for producing their current RB20 models, and warned he didn’t think there would be a ‘plateau’ anytime soon. The 24-year-old himself is still waiting for his first Grand Prix win after 109 race starts, despite being billed as a future world title challenger.
But in January, he ended speculation over a possible move to join Verstappen at Red Bull by committing his long-term future to McLaren, agreeing an ‘extended multi-year’ contract with his team. And this season he’s currently the top driver outside of Red Bull and Ferrari, fifth in the standings on 58 points.
The next F1 Grand Prix weekend takes place in Miami from May 3-5. And that could again be ominous for Red Bull rivals, with Verstappen leading home Perez in a one-two finish at the same venue in 2023.
