Lando Norris rubbished the idea McLaren’s drivers have the championship fight to themselves after they won six of the first eight grands prix this year.
His victory in Monaco last weekend brought him within three points of team mate Oscar Piastri, who is leading the drivers’ standings.
Max Verstappen lies 25 points off the lead. The Red Bull driver has taken three pole positions and won two grands prix this year, and Norris said it’s far too soon to rule him out of championship contention.
“I think mathematically, there’s still probably the whole grid that can win the championship at the minute,” said Norris. Piastri has 161 points with 432 still available.
“So if you think it’s just out of me and Oscar, then I think you’re a bit silly,” he continued. “I think there’s plenty of opportunities.
“Max can still win. Ferrari, they’re Ferrari, I expect them to get better through the season. But we’re racing Max every weekend, he’s been on the podium several times, he’s 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 between me and Oscar.”
Norris’s victory in Monaco was his first since the season-opening round in Australia. He said he was especially proud of his performance in F1’s most famous race.
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“It’s special for different reasons. Was it probably the hardest-fought race? Probably not, but that’s Monaco.
“Is it the one that means the most? The one with the most pressure on a Saturday? The one everyone wants to win? Then yes.
“It’s more just the meaning behind it. The history behind the week itself, the race track, the people who have won there. The prestige of where it is and what kind of event it is.
“So is it the one I’m probably most proud of? I would say so. One that I’ll remember forever. I think it’s everything everyone talks it up to be and more. Because it’s something that you’re proud to say, it’s not just any win in Formula 1. It’s the one. So it’s pretty cool.”
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